P deficiency being seen in both animals and pastures

Fertiliser and/or lime deficiencies can reduce grass production as much as 50% — and deficiencies are very widespread. Official figures show lime usage has been cut back by 40% since 2003, and usage of P and K fertiliser is the lowest since the 1950s. Nitrogen usage is the lowest since 1983.

The drastic cutback in P fertilisers is being felt at animal level, as well as in pastures.

Apart from the bad effects of phosphorous deficiency in growing grass and other crops, the P deficiency is transferred to animals through their feed.