The CSB publishes new statistics on nitrogen and phosphorus balance in agricultural land

In 2019 total nitrogen balance comprised 27.5 thousand tonnes of nitrogen surplus, but phosphorus balance – 2.2 thousand tonnes of phosphorus surplus. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) balance in agricultural land of Latvia for period from 2000 to 2019 calculated by the Central Statistical Bureau show that recalculating per one hectare of agricultural area utilised, in 2019 it comprised 14 kg of nitrogen and 1 kg of phosphorus.

For the elaboration of methodology and analysis of the results of nutrient element balances the CSB recruited Dr. habil. agr. Aldis Kārkliņš, professor of Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Institute of Soil and Plant Sciences of Latvia University of Agriculture,  notes: “The reason for the formation of  nitrogen surplus is the relatively low level of crop yields, which is caused by several factors, of which fertilizer imbalance. Areas planted with cereals and oilseed rape usually receive relatively higher fertilizer doses, but the level of yield harvested is not sufficiently high.”

When explaining importance of N and P balances Dr. habil. agr. Aldis Kārkliņš indicates that calculation of balance of nutrients allows to assess sustainability of farming and potential environmental risks more precisely, allows to establish objectively measurable criteria for the agricultural impact on the environment. Methodology used in calculations is applicable for calculation of nitrogen and phosphorus balance also in separate farms.

Nitrogen and phosphorus balance is calculated in agricultural land in total, as well as per one hectare of agricultural area utilised. The balance is calculated by arithmetic difference between N and P input¹ and output² in a calendar year.

Results of the calculation of balance show that in 2019, 142.0 thousand tonnes of nitrogen and 20.9 thousand tonnes of phosphorus was brought into the agricultural area utilised. Use of fertilizers provides most of the nitrogen and phosphorus input. In 2019 nitrogenous mineral fertilizers comprised majority of total nitrogen input and their share in total nitrogen input has risen from 30 % in 2000 to 57 % in 2019 (of phosphorus – from 24 % in 2000 to 56 % in 2019).

In 2019 livestock manure ensured 24 % of all nitrogen input and 36 % of phosphorus input. In 2019 other nitrogen inputs in agricultural land (biological nitrogen fixation, atmospheric nitrogen deposition, input with seeds and planting material) comprised 18 % of total nitrogen input. Other phosphorus input in 2019 comprised only 3 % (with seeds and planting material).

Structure of nitrogen inputs in utilised agricultural area

In 2019 total nitrogen outputs with crop yields and fodder, post-harvest residues removed from the field (by-products) comprised 114.5 thousand tonnes of nitrogen and total phosphorous output – 18.7 thousand tonnes.

More than 96 % of nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural land is brought out with harvested crop production and with fodder crops. Share of post-harvest residues removed from the field (cereal straw) is very small – 4 %.

Structure of nitrogen outputs from utilised agricultural area

Nutrient Balances are calculated using standardized European Statistical System (ESS) methods in compliance with the ESS agreement on nutrient budgets and Eurostat/OECD Handbook.

Basing on nitrogen and phosphorus balances, impact of agricultural activity on the environment is assessed by identifying factors causing surplus or deficit of nutrients N and P in utilised agricultural area, as well as trends in the circulation of plant nutrients are illustrated. The calculated nutrient balances will provide a justification to develop and implement sustainable agricultural and environmental policy.

¹ Input is formed by the total amount of nutrients – nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) – in tonnes, which during the reference period is brought into the soil with mineral fertilizers, manure, other organic fertilizers, with seeds and planting material, as well as is biologically fixed (only for nitrogen) or deposited from the atmosphere.

² Output is formed by the total amount of nutrients N or P in tonnes, which during the reference period is brought out of the soil with harvested crops and fodder plants, including post-harvested residues removed from the field.

Media requests:
Sanda Rieksta
Information and Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366621, +371 27880666

More information on data:
Guna Karlsone
Agricultural Statistics Section
E-mail: Guna.Karlsone@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366981