20.10.2025
The phosphorus (P) budget in agriculture decreased by 109 % in the period 1992–2024. The decline is the result of a decreased P intake with mineral and livestock fertilizers, as well as the consequence of increased P uptake by agricultural crops. The period up to 2003 was characterized by a surplus of 11 to 16 kg per hectare. Thereafter, the surpluses decreased and reached an average value of +0.4 kg P per hectare in the last five-year period. A realistic comparison of the surplus with other EU Member States is not possible.
