Healthy soils are the foundation of nutritious food, but modern agriculture needs more than just sun and rain. Girts Celajs, CEO of NPK Expert, is explaining why responsible fertilisation matters, even in organic farming.

Healthy food starts with healthy soil

Most of us are used to thinking about the quality of food based on its label – organic, local, plant-based, or low-sugar. But few people think about the health of the land it came from.

Soil is more than just the ground beneath our feet. It’s a complex, living ecosystem – home to billions of organisms that work together to feed crops, trees, and ultimately us. When soil is rich in nutrients and well-balanced, it produces more flavourful fruits and vegetables and contributes to stronger harvests. When it’s poor or depleted, crops can be stunted, nutrient-deficient, or more vulnerable to disease.

As the global population grows and climate patterns shift, the pressure on land to produce more food, and to do so sustainably, continues to rise. This is where fertilisers come in to nurture the soil. But their role is often misunderstood.

Fertilisation remains an essential tool, even in organic farming

All crops, whether organic or not, extract nutrients from the soil as they grow. Without replenishment, the land becomes exhausted.

Fertilisers, whether compost, manure, seaweed extract, or mineral-based blends, are tools to return nutrients to the soil. Organic farms use them too, often relying on slower-releasing natural sources. The key is balance: applying the right type, in the right amount, at the right time.

This process is essential not only for growing enough food, but for ensuring that the food we eat contains the nutrients we expect – from calcium in leafy greens to magnesium in legumes.

More than yield: fertilisers and food chain safety

Under-fertilisation can lead to lower crop quality and increased need for land use. On the other hand, excessive or poorly managed fertilisation can impact water sources or soil health. The challenge lies in optimising the process – and technology is helping.

“While innovation and new technologies in organic farming are important, we must remain cautious with current organic fertilisation methods, as practical experience shows they often cannot match conventional yields, an issue that has direct implications for food security across the globe,”

says Girts Celajs, CEO of NPK Expert.

Precision agriculture techniques, such as soil mapping, drone-assisted spraying, and smart irrigation, are already helping farmers use less while getting more. Many fertiliser producers today focus not just on the product, but on how it’s used in real-world conditions.

“We often hear people say they want fewer chemicals in farming – and we agree. That’s exactly why we need to invest in soil analysis and tailored fertilisation advice. Sustainable agriculture depends on healthy soil, and there’s no one-size-fits-all,” 

concludes Girts Celajs.

Innovation in fertilisation

The fertiliser sector has changed dramatically in the last decade. Many companies now focus on products that support microbial life in soil, reduce emissions, or rely on natural or recycled inputs. Some bio-fertilisers even encourage roots to absorb nutrients more efficiently, meaning less product is needed.

This shift supports the broader European goal of sustainable food systems. In countries with limited arable land, it becomes even more important. Fertile, balanced soils reduce waste, support biodiversity, and ultimately help shorten the path from farm to fork.

Healthy soil, healthy food, healthier future

Girts Celajs emphasises that just as we talk more openly about the origins of our food and its nutritional value, it’s time to include the soil in that conversation. Fertilisers, when used responsibly, are not shortcuts – they’re part of a larger effort to maintain and restore soil health.

Whether it’s organic compost or a tailored nutrient blend, fertilisation helps keep the food chain strong from field to plate. In the end, what we choose to put into our soil determines what we get out of it.

NPK Expert is a global fertiliser supplier helping farmers boost yields and build sustainable agriculture. With strong roots in Europe and Africa, the company delivers high-quality nitrogen, phosphate, and potash products through trusted local partners.