Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2009
Annual publication containing summary of key statistics on environmental trends in Scotland
Land
Fertiliser Application to Crops and Grass 16: 1986-2008
Overall application rate of fertiliser (kg/ha)
Overall application rate of fertiliser (kg/ha)17
1986 |
1990 |
1995 |
2000 |
2005 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nitrogen (N) |
120 |
122 |
124 |
118 |
102 |
90 |
82 |
Phosphate (P 2O 5) |
42 |
43 |
45 |
42 |
35 |
32 |
29 |
Potash (K 2O) |
43 |
50 |
48 |
47 |
40 |
40 |
37 |
Fertilisers contain nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which improve plant growth and crop yields. The inappropriate or mistimed use of fertilisers may cause nutrient enrichment and eutrophication of waters. Excess nitrates in drinking water are also a danger to human health. The EC Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) provides a framework to protect water bodies from agricultural nitrate pollution. This includes the designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, where an action programme controlling fertiliser use is implemented.
Changes in overall application rate are due to changes in either the proportion of crop area treated or average rate of application, or both. Weather and economic factors may contribute to changes in fertiliser use.
Between 1986 and 2000, overall phosphate and potash application rates remained relatively stable, although both have seen a decline in recent years. Overall nitrogen application rates have declined since 2001, reflecting a longer term reduction in application rates to grassland and a recent reduction for tillage crops. In 2008 the nitrogen application rate was 82 kg/ha, a reduction of 34% compared to 1995.
Source: Defra, Scottish Government18
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