Manure use per municipality in the Netherlands, 2000

Development

An average of 203 kg of nitrogen from manure was used in 2000 on agricultural land. In nearly 40% of municipalities, the average use of fertiliser was greater than will be allowed under the European standards after the end of 2002. The average use of nitrogen fertiliser in all municipalities was lower than the limits established for 2000 by the mineral accounting system (MINAS). However, in 16% of municipalities, average phosphate fertiliser use was so high that the levy-free surplus was exceeded.

Policy

Under the European Nitrate Directive, only 170 kg of nitrogen from animal manure may be used per hectare of agricultural land from 1 January 2003 onwards. The Dutch Minister of Agriculture is assuming a higher use for grassland of 250 kg per hectare. This figure is for the amount of nitrogen in the manure at the time of application.

Technical note

The nitrogen volatilised during the application of the manure is included in the figures, whereas the nitrogen volatilised in stables/sheds during storage is not.

References

• CBS (2002). Statline. Transport en gebruik van dierlijke mest. Statistics Netherlands, Voorburg/Heerlen.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Ammonia emissions by Agriculture and horticulture in the Netherlands, 1980-2002
• Manure production by livestock in the Netherlands, 1980-2001
• Nitrogen and phosphate production by all livestock and by agricultural area in the Netherlands, 2001 (map)
• Legal standards for the use of fertilisers in the Netherlands (MINAS)
• Use of the legal application potential for phosphate and nitrogen from manure, 2000
• Index environmental pressure theme Guide to Environmental theme of Eutrophication

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• More data about manure use by municipality can be found on Statline (Statistics Netherlands). Information about the calculations and the background is also available in Transport en gebruik van mest en mineralen.