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.
