Fertiliser usage falls to 1950s levels

THE fertiliser use survey published recently by Teagasc contains some very interesting information. The survey period was 2004 to 2008, which was compared with the previous survey in 2003.

Department of Agriculture data showed a decrease of fertiliser usage of 20%, 40% and 37% for nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potash (K) respectively, since 2003.

Usage has fallen to the lowest levels of fertiliser P and K since the 1950s, and the lowest level of N since 1983. Bad weather and poor prices in 2009 will have reduced usage of fertilisers even further.