Phosphate saturation of agricultural soils in the Netherlands, 1986-1999

Developments

Phosphate saturation of the soil has increased sharply in the last thirteen years. It occurs in almost all of the Netherlands, with the exception of some clay-soil areas and southern Limburg. Values of over 50% can be found in North Brabant and northern Limburg. The results for clay and peat areas are provisional (Schröder and Corré, 2000).

Policy

The implementation of the mineral accounting system (MINAS) has reduced the phosphate burden on agricultural land. Because phosphate continues to be applied to the soil under MINAS and because the soil already contains large quantities of phosphate, no improvement is expected for the short term in the phosphate saturation of the soil.

Relevance

Phosphate runs off easily to the surface water from ground saturated with phosphate, with negative effects on surface-water ecosystems.

Technical note

The maps are based on models.

References

• Schröder, J.J. and W.J. Corré (eds.) (2000). Actualisering stikstof en fosfaat desk studies. PRI-Rapportnr. 22. PRI-WUR, Wageningen.
• Zee, S.E.A.T.M. van der, W.H. van Riemsdijk and F.A.M. de Haan (1990, 1992). Het protocol fosfaatverzadigde gronden, Deel 1. Toelichting (1990). Deel 2. Technische uitwerking (1992). Landbouwuniversiteit Wageningen.
• RIVM (2002). Minas en Milieu, Balans en verkenning. RIVM (rapportnr. 718 201 005), Bilthoven.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Soil quality and soil pollution: policy
• Soil contamination and soil cleanup: terms and definitions
• Soil quality: the current picture and the threats
• Local soil pollution: the risks
• Manure production by livestock in the Netherlands, 1980-2001
• Nitrogen and phosphate in manure and fertiliser in the Netherlands, 1980-2001
• Balance for phosphorus in agriculture in the Netherlands, 2000
• Guide to Environmental theme of Eutrophication

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• More information about soil pollution can be found on the site of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment.