Balance for phosphorus in agriculture in the Netherlands, 2000
Every year, large quantities of phosphorus enter agriculture, primarily in livestock feed and chemical fertilisers. Withdrawal takes place through animal and vegetable products. There is an annual surplus that places a burden on soil.
Return flows within agriculture
There is only one identifiable return flow for phosphorus in agriculture. Phosphorus withdrawn from agricultural land in crops such as green maize and grass is directly returned to the livestock industry.
Return flows outside agriculture
There are two return flows which occur partly outside agriculture. Some agricultural products such as grain are returned directly to the compound feed industry. Others reach the compound feed industry and livestock farming through the food and drinks industry. This is waste generated during the processing of animal and vegetable products. A large proportion of both streams is used as concentrated feed in agriculture. The rest is exported or sold as animal feed outside the agriculture sector.
