Sri Lanka

Indicators

Excess nitrogen per hectare of cropland single year 27.6 kg per hectare (2009) —

Excess nitrogen from croplands single year 57 kt (2009) —

Share of global excess nitrogen from croplands single year 0.076 % (2009) —

Amount of N added to cropland through biological fixation 32.4 kt (2023) +153%

Value 32.4 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +152.9%

Amount of N added to cropland through biological fixation, per hectare of cropland 12.6 kg/ha (2023) +52%

Value 12.6 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +51.5%

N fertilizer consumption per capita 3.4 kg/person (2023) +22%

Value 3.4 kg/person (2023)

Change since 1961 +21.9%

Total nitrogen fertilizer production 0 t (2020) —

Value 0 t (2020)

Change since 2013 —

Definition (source: OECD): From the online data portal FAOSTAT maintained by the Statistics Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) : 'Nutrient nitrogen' is defined as total nitrogen (N) from all fertilizer products. The 'Fertilizers by Nutrient' domain contains information on agricultural use, production, and trade of chemical and mineral fertilizers, in tonnes of nutrient, for the three main plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (expressed as P2O5) and potassium (expressed as K2O). The main data source for production and agricultural use is the FAOSTAT Fertilizers questionnaire, complemented with national publications when available. Agricultural use of fertilizers refers to the use for crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, excluding use for animal feed. Industrial uses are excluded, to the extent allowed by data availability. Tonnes of nutrient nitrogen are calculated using conversion factors applied to volumes of nitrogenous fertilizers. For more information, please see: http://fenixservices.fao.org/faostat/static/documents/RFN/RFN_EN_README.pdf

Citation: OECD (2024). "Nutrient nitrogen production," Africa's Development Dynamics (AfDD): Table 23 - Ecological sustainability, OECD Data Explorer, https://data-explorer.oecd.org/vis?lc=en&tm=nitrogen&pg=0&snb=15&df[ds]=dsDisseminateFinalDMZ&df[id]=DSD_AFDD_STAT_ANNEX%40DF_TAB23&df[ag]=OECD.DEV.EMEA&df[vs]=1.0&dq=......A&pd=,&to[TIME_PERIOD]=false&vw=ov

Total nitrogen fertilizer production 0 t (2023) —

Value 0 t (2023)

Change since 2013 —

Nitrogen fertilizer consumption per hectare of arable land 154 kg/ha (2023) +10%

Value 154 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +9.6%

Total nitrogen inputs to crops single year 189 kt (2009) —

Nitrogen inputs per hectare of cropland single year 91.6 kg/ha (2009) —

Nitrogen fertilizer use per hectare of cropland 46.5 kg/ha (2023) +96%

Value 46.5 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +96.1%

Total N fertilizer production 0 t (2023) -100%

Value 0 t (2023)

Change since 1980 -100.0%

N fertilizer imports 166 kt (2023) +355%

Value 166 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +354.6%

N fertilizer exports 256 t (2023) -99%

Value 256 t (2023)

Change since 1982 -98.9%

N fertilizer use per capita 5.19 kg/ person (2023) +41%

Value 5.19 kg/ person (2023)

Change since 1961 +41.0%

Agricultural use of N fertilizer 119 kt (2023) +227%

Value 119 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +227.2%

N fertilizers use per area of cropland 46.5 kg/ha (2023) +96%

Value 46.5 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +96.1%

Amount of N added to cropland through synthetic fertilizers, per hectare of cropland 68.3 kg/ha (2023) +188%

Value 68.3 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +188.5%

Amount of N added to cropland through animal manure 12.7 kt (2023) -11%

Value 12.7 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 -11.0%

Amount of N added to cropland through animal manure, per hectare of cropland 4.96 kg/ha (2023) -47%

Value 4.96 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 -46.7%

N fertilizer use per value of agricultural production 15 g per $ (2023) -26%

Value 15 g per $ (2023)

Change since 1961 -26.5%

Agricultural use of nutrient nitrogen 238 t (2020) +51%

Value 238 t (2020)

Change since 2000 +50.9%

Definition (source: OECD): From the online data portal FAOSTAT maintained by the Statistics Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) : 'Nutrient nitrogen' is defined as total nitrogen (N) from all fertilizer products. The 'Fertilizers by Nutrient' domain contains information on agricultural use, production, and trade of chemical and mineral fertilizers, in tonnes of nutrient, for the three main plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (expressed as P2O5) and potassium (expressed as K2O). The main data source for production and agricultural use is the FAOSTAT Fertilizers questionnaire, complemented with national publications when available. Agricultural use of fertilizers refers to the use for crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, excluding use for animal feed. Industrial uses are excluded, to the extent allowed by data availability. Tonnes of nutrient nitrogen are calculated using conversion factors applied to volumes of nitrogenous fertilizers. For more information, please see: https://fenixservices.fao.org/faostat/static/documents/RFN/RFN_EN_README.pdf

Citation: OECD (2024). "Agricultural use of nutrient nitrogen," Africa's Development Dynamics (AfDD): Table 23 - Ecological sustainability, OECD Data Explorer, https://data-explorer.oecd.org/vis?lc=en&tm=nitrogen&pg=0&snb=15&df[ds]=dsDisseminateFinalDMZ&df[id]=DSD_AFDD_STAT_ANNEX%40DF_TAB23&df[ag]=OECD.DEV.EMEA&df[vs]=1.0&dq=......A&pd=,&to[TIME_PERIOD]=false&vw=ov

Agricultural use of ammonia (anhydrous) single year 0 t (2018) —

Export of ammonia (anhydrous) 92.6 t (2024) —

Value 92.6 t (2024)

Change since 2007 —

Export value of ammonia (anhydrous) 222 k$ (2024) +96383%

Value 222 k$ (2024)

Change since 2007 +96382.6%

Import of ammonia (anhydrous) 538 t (2024) +129%

Value 538 t (2024)

Change since 2002 +128.7%

Import value of ammonia (anhydrous) 416 k$ (2024) +278%

Value 416 k$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +277.7%

Agricultural use of ammonium nitrate 0 t (2018) -100%

Value 0 t (2018)

Change since 2011 -100.0%

Export of ammonium nitrate 0.03 t (2024) -97%

Value 0.03 t (2024)

Change since 2014 -97.0%

Export value of ammonium nitrate 370 $ (2024) +23%

Value 370 $ (2024)

Change since 2014 +23.3%

Import of ammonium nitrate 987 t (2024) -8%

Value 987 t (2024)

Change since 2002 -8.2%

Import value of ammonium nitrate 1.11 M$ (2024) +298%

Value 1.11 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +298.3%

Agricultural use of ammonium sulphate 64 kt (2021) -11%

Value 64 kt (2021)

Change since 2002 -11.3%

Export of ammonium sulphate 2.5 t (2019) -77%

Value 2.5 t (2019)

Change since 2002 -76.7%

Export value of ammonium sulphate 470 $ (2019) -76%

Value 470 $ (2019)

Change since 2002 -76.4%

Import of ammonium sulphate (Tonnes) 64.7 kt (2024) -18%

Value 64.7 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -17.9%

Import value of ammonium sulphate (1000 USD) 13.9 M$ (2024) +75%

Value 13.9 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +74.9%

Agricultural use of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 196 t (2021) +367%

Value 196 t (2021)

Change since 2015 +366.7%

Export of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 7.8 t (2024) +7700%

Value 7.8 t (2024)

Change since 2002 +7700.0%

Export value of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 13.1 k$ (2024) +43667%

Value 13.1 k$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +43666.7%

Import of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 0 t (2023) —

Value 0 t (2023)

Change since 2005 —

Import value of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 20 $ (2023) +100%

Value 20 $ (2023)

Change since 2005 +100.0%

Amount of N added to cropland through synthetic fertilizers 175 kt N (2023) +381%

Value 175 kt N (2023)

Change since 1961 +381.5%

Agricultural use of fertilizers n.e.c. 0 t (2020) -100%

Value 0 t (2020)

Change since 2015 -100.0%

Export of fertilizers n.e.c. 180 t (2024) +625%

Value 180 t (2024)

Change since 2002 +625.2%

Export value of fertilizers n.e.c. 44.9 k$ (2024) +114%

Value 44.9 k$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +114.1%

Import of fertilizers n.e.c. 3.79 kt (2024) +631%

Value 3.79 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 +630.8%

Import value of fertilizers n.e.c. 2.72 M$ (2024) +751%

Value 2.72 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +750.7%

Agricultural use of NPK fertilizers 1.79 kt (2021) +191%

Value 1.79 kt (2021)

Change since 2006 +190.6%

Export of NPK fertilizers 0.38 t (2024) -96%

Value 0.38 t (2024)

Change since 2002 -95.6%

Export value of NPK fertilizers 380 $ (2024) -96%

Value 380 $ (2024)

Change since 2002 -95.6%

Import of NPK fertilizers 10.5 kt (2024) +228%

Value 10.5 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 +227.7%

Import value of NPK fertilizers 7.58 M$ (2024) +638%

Value 7.58 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +638.0%

Agricultural use of other nitrogenous fertilizers 11.7 kt (2021) +348%

Value 11.7 kt (2021)

Change since 2018 +348.5%

Export of other nitrogenous fertilizers 0.95 t (2024) -99%

Value 0.95 t (2024)

Change since 2002 -99.0%

Export value of other nitrogenous fertilizers 6.95 k$ (2024) -84%

Value 6.95 k$ (2024)

Change since 2002 -84.4%

Import of other nitrogenous fertilizers 2.01 kt (2024) -7%

Value 2.01 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -6.9%

Import value of other nitrogenous fertilizers 889 k$ (2024) +74%

Value 889 k$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +73.6%

Agriculture use of urea 222 kt (2021) -41%

Value 222 kt (2021)

Change since 2002 -41.1%

Agriculture use of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions single year 0 t (2018) —

Export of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 0.7 t (2017) -65%

Value 0.7 t (2017)

Change since 2007 -65.0%

Export value of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 960 $ (2017) -8%

Value 960 $ (2017)

Change since 2007 -7.7%

Import value of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 2.85 k$ (2017) -67%

Value 2.85 k$ (2017)

Change since 2006 -66.9%

Import of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 0.9 t (2017) -96%

Value 0.9 t (2017)

Change since 2006 -96.4%

Export of urea 0.4 t (2024) -99%

Value 0.4 t (2024)

Change since 2002 -98.6%

Export value of urea 210 $ (2024) -93%

Value 210 $ (2024)

Change since 2002 -92.6%

Import of urea 270 kt (2024) -16%

Value 270 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -16.2%

Import value of urea 106 M$ (2024) +134%

Value 106 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +134.0%

N lost from croplands through volatilisation 39.6 kt (2023) +160%

Value 39.6 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +160.1%

N added onto cropland from atmospheric deposition 8.46 kt (2023) +180%

Value 8.46 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +179.7%

N added onto cropland from atmospheric deposition, per hectare of cropland 3.3 kg/ha (2023) +68%

Value 3.3 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +67.6%

N lost from croplands through leaching 14,469 kg/ha and ton (2023) +122%

Value 14,469 kg/ha and ton (2023)

Change since 1961 +122.4%

N lost from croplands through leaching, per hectare of cropland 5.64 kg/ha (2023) +33%

Value 5.64 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +33.3%

N lost from croplands through volatilisation, per hectare of cropland (kg/ha) 15.4 kg/ha (2023) +56%

Value 15.4 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +55.8%

Amount of N removed from cropland through crop harvesting 138 kt (2023) +170%

Value 138 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +169.6%

Amount of N removed from cropland through crop residue 30.9 kt (2023) +1257%

Value 30.9 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +1256.8%

Amount of N removed from cropland through crop harvesting, per hectare of cropland 53.9 kg/ha (2023) +62%

Value 53.9 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +61.6%

Amount of N removed from cropland through crop residue, per hectare of cropland 12.1 kg/ha (2023) +713%

Value 12.1 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +712.9%

Nitrogen use efficiency 20.1 % (2014) -21%

Value 20.1 % (2014)

Change since 1961 -20.9%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) Emissions from agriculture 1.32 Mt CO₂e (2024) +68%

Value 1.32 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +67.5%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from agriculture 1,390 Gt CO₂e (2023) +6%

Value 1,390 Gt CO₂e (2023)

Change since 1990 +6.1%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from agriculture per capita 60.5 t CO₂e/person (2023) -24%

Value 60.5 t CO₂e/person (2023)

Change since 1990 -24.5%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for dry beans 0.0012 t (2023) +33%

Value 0.0012 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +33.3%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for maize 0.031 t (2023) +1450%

Value 0.031 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +1450.0%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for millet 0.0018 t (2023) -50%

Value 0.0018 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -50.0%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for potatoes 0.0016 t (2023) +433%

Value 0.0016 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +433.3%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rice 0.898 t (2023) +244%

Value 0.898 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +244.0%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for sorghum 0 t (2023) -100%

Value 0 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -100.0%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for soya beans 0.0018 t (2023) —

Value 0.0018 t (2023)

Change since 1961 —

N₂O emissions from burning crop residues, for maize 0.0053 t (2023) +489%

Value 0.0053 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +488.9%

N₂O emissions from burning crop residues, for sugar cane 0.0007 t (2023) +133%

Value 0.0007 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +133.3%

N₂O emissions from burning crop residues, for rice 0.0448 t (2023) +135%

Value 0.0448 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +134.6%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for dry beans 0.0003 t (2023) +50%

Value 0.0003 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +50.0%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for maize 0.007 t (2023) +1650%

Value 0.007 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +1650.0%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for millet 0.0004 t (2023) -50%

Value 0.0004 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -50.0%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for potatoes 0.0004 t (2023) +300%

Value 0.0004 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +300.0%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rice 0.202 t (2023) +244%

Value 0.202 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +244.3%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for sorghum 0 t (2023) -100%

Value 0 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -100.0%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for soya beans 0.0004 t (2023) —

Value 0.0004 t (2023)

Change since 1961 —

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for dry beans 1.5 t (2023) +36%

Value 1.5 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +36.4%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for maize 37.9 t (2023) +1479%

Value 37.9 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +1479.2%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for millet 2.2 t (2023) -50%

Value 2.2 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -50.0%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for potatoes (kt) 1.9 t (2023) +375%

Value 1.9 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +375.0%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rice 1.1 kt (2023) +244%

Value 1.1 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +244.1%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for sorghum 0 t (2023) -100%

Value 0 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -100.0%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for soya beans 2.2 t (2023) —

Value 2.2 t (2023)

Change since 1961 —

Amount of N added to cropland through planting seeds 2.22 kt (2023) +6%

Value 2.22 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +5.6%

N content from crop residues, for dry beans 76.8 t (2023) +36%

Value 76.8 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +35.7%

N content from crop residues, for maize 1.97 kt (2023) +1476%

Value 1.97 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +1475.9%

N content from crop residues, for millet 116 t (2023) -50%

Value 116 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -49.7%

N content from crop residues, for oats 116 t (2023) -50%

Value 116 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -49.7%

N content from crop residues, for potatoes 101 t (2023) +378%

Value 101 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +378.2%

N content from crop residues, for rice 57.2 kt (2023) +244%

Value 57.2 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +244.1%

N content from crop residues, for sorghum 2.53 t (2023) -89%

Value 2.53 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -89.5%

N content from crop residues, for soya beans 115 t (2023) +15537%

Value 115 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +15536.9%

Amount of N added to cropland through planting seeds, per hectare of cropland 0.864 kg/ha (2023) -37%

Value 0.864 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 -36.7%

Total nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, excluding LULUCF 2.16 Mt CO₂e (2024) +89%

Value 2.16 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +89.3%

Total nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, excluding LULUCF (% change from 1990) 32.7 % change (2024) +1227%

Value 32.7 % change (2024)

Change since 1991 +1226.7%

N₂O emissions from all sectors 2,042 Gt CO₂e (2024) +448%

Value 2,042 Gt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1850 +448.0%

Share of global nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions 0.0696 % (2024) -73%

Value 0.0696 % (2024)

Change since 1850 -73.2%

Definition (source: Our World in Data): A dataset describing the global warming response to national emissions CO2, CH4 and N2O from fossil and land use sources during 1851-2024. National CO2 emissions data are collated from the Global Carbon Project (Andrew and Peters, 2025; Friedlingstein et al., 2025). National CH4 and N2O emissions data are collated from PRIMAP-hist (HISTTP) (Gütschow et al., 2024). We construct a time series of cumulative CO2-equivalent emissions for each country, gas, and emissions source (fossil or land use). Emissions of CH4 and N2O emissions are related to cumulative CO2-equivalent emissions using the Global Warming Potential (GWP*) approach, with best-estimates of the coefficients taken from the IPCC AR6 (Forster et al., 2021). Warming in response to cumulative CO2-equivalent emissions is estimated using the transient climate response to cumulative carbon emissions (TCRE) approach, with best-estimate value of TCRE taken from the IPCC AR6 (Forster et al., 2021, Canadell et al., 2021). 'Warming' is specifically the change in global mean surface temperature (GMST). The data files provide emissions, cumulative emissions and the GMST response by country, gas (CO2, CH4, N2O or 3-GHG total) and source (fossil emissions, land use emissions or the total).

Citation: Jones et al. (2025) – with major processing by Our World in Data. “Share of global nitrous oxide emissions” [dataset]. Jones et al., “National contributions to climate change 2025.1” [original data]. Retrieved September 21, 2026 from https://archive.ourworldindata.org/20260910-011030/grapher/share-nitrous-oxide-emissions.html (archived on September 10, 2026).

N₂O from all sectors per capita single year 0.076 Mt CO2e/ person (2009) —

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) Emissions from buildings (Energy) 86.8 kt CO₂e (2024) -17%

Value 86.8 kt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 -17.3%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from fugitive emissions (Energy) 0 t CO₂e (2024) -100%

Value 0 t CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 -100.0%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from industrial combustion (Energy) 94 kt CO₂e (2024) +380%

Value 94 kt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +379.6%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from industrial processes 222 kt CO₂e (2024) +149%

Value 222 kt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +149.0%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from power industry (Energy) 32 kt CO₂e (2024) +31900%

Value 32 kt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +31900.0%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from transport (Energy) 156 kt CO₂e (2024) +244%

Value 156 kt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +244.5%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from waste 253 kt CO₂e (2024) +164%

Value 253 kt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +164.5%

Population (total) 21.8 M (2025) +125%

Value 21.8 M (2025)

Change since 1960 +125.2%

GDP (current US$) 109 B$ (2025) +7619%

Value 109 B$ (2025)

Change since 1960 +7618.8%

GDP per capita (current US$) 5 k$ (2025) +3328%

Value 5 k$ (2025)

Change since 1960 +3327.8%

Cropland area (% of land area) 19.3 % of land area (2023) +22%

Value 19.3 % of land area (2023)

Change since 1961 +22.4%

Number of Public Policies (All Years) single year 12 policies (2018) —

Number of Public Policies Enacted (by Year) 0 policies (2018) —

Value 0 policies (2018)

Change since 1905 —

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) 8.36 % of GDP (2025) -74%

Value 8.36 % of GDP (2025)

Change since 1960 -74.0%

Cropland area (hectares) 2,566,900 ha (2023) +67%

Value 2,566,900 ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +66.9%

Socio-economic Information

N₂O Emissions by Sector

Indicators

Nitrogen-Related Policies & Regulations