The nitrogen surplus in agriculture decreased by 14% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching 265 million kilograms. This is the lowest level since the Central Bureau of Statistics began measurements in 1990.
Although the surplus has declined, the Netherlands is not yet out of the crisis. The livestock industry’s manure contributes to groundwater and surface water pollution, which has worsened in recent years.
Protected nature areas are also more affected by nitrogen than previously thought. In 2023, approximately the same amount of nitrogen, 83 million kilograms, was released into the air as in the previous year.
The nitrogen absorbed into the soil decreased by 18% to 182 million kilograms. Overall nitrogen supply in agriculture remained stable, with a 4% decrease in nitrogen from animal feed due to lower nitrogen content and fewer pigs and poultry being raised.
However, nitrogen supply from artificial fertilizers slightly increased. The nitrogen content in animal manure decreased by less than 1%, totaling 464 million kilograms.
The decline in surplus is mainly due to the wet summer of 2023, which led to rapid grass growth, allowing 23% more nitrogen to be removed in the form of roughage. Compared to 1990, the total nitrogen surplus in 2023 was 57% lower, influenced by factors such as livestock numbers, nitrogen in feed, agricultural innovations, and legislation.
The decline had stagnated since 2014.
Source: NOS