Farmers’ use of fertilisers hits its lowest level in decades

THE usage by farmers of the major nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on grassland and agricultural crops is at its lowest level in decades.

The report of the latest Fertiliser Use Survey carried out by Teagasc details the fertiliser usage for grassland and a range of tillage crops for the period 2004 to 2008.

Conducted by the Environment Research Centre in Johnstown Castle in conjunction with the National Farm Survey, the study found that the usage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium during this period had decreased by 20%, 40% and 37%, respectively.

While almost all crops showed decreased fertiliser inputs, the extent of the decrease was more dramatic on grassland than on tillage crops.

The improved efficiency of nutrient recovery from animal manures, the rising costs of fertilisers, decreasing product prices and farm income are thought to have been factors in the drop.

Other influences are believed to be decreasing livestock numbers and regulation of nutrient usage.

Teagasc said the overall tendency towards reduced fertiliser inputs may have both positive and negative consequences in the future.

The report’s author Stan Lalor said reducing fertiliser usage is a positive step in reducing costs to farmers, and has the desirable effect of lessening the impact of agriculture on the rural environment.

“However, nutrient deficits will eventually compromise soil fertility levels and potentially restrict crop and animal performance in the future.

“It should not be done at the expense of soil fertility and the future production capacity of soils,” he said.