The Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China (formerly known as the Ministry of Agriculture of China) was established in 1996. Its former approved name was Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture. The laboratory was given its current name in 2011 when the discipline cluster of plant nutrition and fertilizer was established.

As one of the 30 comprehensive laboratories that the Ministry of Agriculture established during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2010-15), it took the lead in the construction of the discipline cluster of plant nutrition and fertilizer, and now guides four regional key laboratories in Northeast China, Northwest China, Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River and South China under the plant nutrition and fertilizer discipline cluster. It also leads five specialized laboratories in new fertilizers, biological fertilizers, crop fertilizers, humic acid fertilizers and seaweed fertilizers, and has constructed and operates eight agricultural scientific observation and experiment stations. 

The laboratory conducts research on plant nutrient physiology, nutrient cycling, efficient fertilization and new fertilizers. It carries out basic research and cutting-edge technological innovation in the field of plant nutrition and fertilizers, and handles the common and key technical issues of plants, soil, and fertilizer that constrain agricultural production. The laboratory also strives to enhance China's ability in independent innovation in terms of plant nutrition and fertilizer technology, and provides a platform for the theoretical and technological innovation of plant nutrition and fertilizer science, international exchanges and cooperation, as well as talent training.

The laboratory has 42 research fellows and all of them have doctoral degrees, including 16 senior research fellows and 19 associate senior research fellows, specialized in plant nutrition and fertilizer research.