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Physical and virtual nutrient flows in global telecoupled agricultural trade networks

Author

Listed:
  • Xiuzhi Chen

    (National Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources
    China Agricultural University
    Michigan State University)

  • Yue Hou

    (China Agricultural University
    China International Engineer Consulting Cooperation Overseas Consulting Co., Ltd.)

  • Thomas Kastner

    (Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F))

  • Liu Liu

    (National Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources
    China Agricultural University)

  • Yuqian Zhang

    (Michigan State University)

  • Tuo Yin

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Mo Li

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen)

  • Arunima Malik

    (The University of Sydney
    The University of Sydney)

  • Mengyu Li

    (The University of Sydney)

  • Kelly R. Thorp

    (USDA Agricultural Research Service)

  • Siqi Han

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Yaoze Liu

    (State University of New York)

  • Tahir Muhammad

    (China Agricultural University
    Hohai University)

  • Jianguo Liu

    (Michigan State University)

  • Yunkai Li

    (National Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources
    China Agricultural University)

Abstract

Global agricultural trade creates multiple telecoupled flows of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The flows of physical and virtual nutrients along with trade have discrepant effects on natural resources in different countries. However, existing literature has not quantified or analyzed such effects yet. Here we quantified the physical and virtual N and P flows embedded in the global agricultural trade networks from 1997 to 2016 and elaborated components of the telecoupling framework. The N and P flows both increased continuously and more than 25% of global consumption of nutrients in agricultural products were related to physical nutrient flows, while virtual nutrient flows were equivalent to one-third of the nutrients inputs into global agricultural system. These flows have positive telecoupling effects on saving N and P resources at the global scale. Reducing inefficient trade flows will enhance resource conservation, environmental sustainability in the hyper-globalized world.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiuzhi Chen & Yue Hou & Thomas Kastner & Liu Liu & Yuqian Zhang & Tuo Yin & Mo Li & Arunima Malik & Mengyu Li & Kelly R. Thorp & Siqi Han & Yaoze Liu & Tahir Muhammad & Jianguo Liu & Yunkai Li, 2023. "Physical and virtual nutrient flows in global telecoupled agricultural trade networks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38094-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38094-4
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