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Background Notes

Nitrogen content of fertiliser sales fell 18% in 2023

Online ISSN: 2811-5767
CSO statistical publication, , 11am

Introduction

This release contains data on mineral fertiliser sales, the nutrient content of mineral fertiliser sold in Ireland, and lime sales.

Mineral fertilisers and lime are mainly used in agricultural production. Mineral fertilisers contain nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are absorbed from the soil by plants such as crops to support their growth. They are used to prevent soil degradation and to allow continuing agricultural production, as well as to improve soil and crop yields; however excessive use of mineral fertilisers containing nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to water, soil and air pollution as the nutrients are lost to the environment. Lime is a soil conditioner which is used to regulate the acidity of soil.

The data are expressed in measurement units of tonnes of nutrient, tonnes of fertiliser or tonnes of lime.

Data on fertiliser sales and nutrient content of fertiliser sales are based on the crop year, which runs from October to September. Data on lime sales refer to the calendar year.

Data Source

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine collects data on quarterly sales of fertilisers from all companies involved in sales of mineral fertiliser products to retailers. The Department also collects monthly data from quarries carrying out sales and deliveries of limestone in Ireland.

Coverage

Data from sales statistics may overestimate the use of mineral fertilisers in agricultural production. Fertilisers may also be used for non-agricultural purposes, such as in golf clubs or private gardens.

Nutrient Content of Fertilisers and Environmental Impact

Nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are absorbed from the soil by plants and enhance crop production. However, excessive use may lead to losses of these nutrients to the environment, contributing to environmental pollution.

Nitrogen that is not taken up by plants is easily lost from the soil. It tends to build up in water bodies such as groundwater, rivers, lakes and the sea, potentially causing excessive growth of algae and plants which can use up all of the available oxygen and make the water bodies uninhabitable for aquatic animals. Algal blooms can release toxins into the waterways. Nitrogen can also be lost to the atmosphere in the form of greenhouse gases.

Phosphorus can build up in the soil. Losses of phosphorus mainly occur due to soil erosion and agricultural run-off and can have environmental impacts on water bodies similar to nitrogen.

While potassium can also be lost to water from the soil, it is not of significant environmental concern.

The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) of 1991 aims to protect water quality across Europe by preventing nitrates from agricultural sources polluting ground and surface waters and by promoting the use of good farming practices.

Environmental Impact of Lime Application

Lime is a soil conditioner which is used to regulate the acidity of soil. Applying lime to soil leads to carbon dioxide emissions from the carbon content of the lime. However, as soil acidity is a factor in fertiliser efficiency, applying lime to soil can reduce requirements for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers. This can result in a reduction in pollution, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions arising from nitrogen-containing fertilisers.

Transmission of Data to Eurostat

Data on the nitrogen and phosphorus content of mineral fertilisers sold in Ireland are transmitted annually to Eurostat under a voluntary data collection. The data are collected and compiled by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and are submitted to Eurostat by the CSO. 

Release Frequency

This release is published on an annual basis.

Revisions

Data for all years may be subject to revision.

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