Minerals on agricultural land (soil balances) 1990-2014

In this table you will find figures over surplus minerals nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on agricultural land based on soil balances. In these balances, the supply to the soil (from animal manure, fertiliser and other sources, but also by precipitation (deposition)) is settled with the drain (via the crop yield) to calculate the surplus. Part of these surpluses enter the ground and surface water through emissions from agriculture (floating of ditches, discharges into the spout and drainage water from greenhouse horticulture, and yardwashing) and through drainage from agricultural land. In addition, nitrogen evaporation occurs, causing nitrogen to disappear into the air. In addition to ammonia (NH3) volatility from animal manure, fertilisers and in the preservation of crops (cut maize and grass), nitrogen also volatiles in the form of other compounds (nitrogen oxide (N2O), nitrogen gas (N2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)) in the storage of manure in stables and manure deposits. In the soil there is also conversion of nitrate (NO3) by bacteria, causing nitrogen in the form of the harmless nitrogen gas (N2) or the greenhouse gas (N2O) to escape to the air (denitrification). Only part of these nitrogen losses to the air ends up in the form of precipitation on agricultural land (return flow). What eventually accumulates in the soil (accumulation) is therefore smaller than the calculated surplus. Data available from 1990 to 2014. Status of the figures: The data for 2014 is provisional. As this table has been discontinued, the data will no longer be definitive. Changes as of 1 July 2016: None, this table has been discontinued. This table is followed by mineral balance of agriculture, see paragraph 3. When are new figures coming? No longer applicable.