Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 4.1 Correlation between the national per capita income and the application of organic and
mineral fertilizer N + P on agricultural land in the countries of the world in 2000. Top
curve: population density > 600 persons per ha; bottom curve: < 600 persons per ha in
Europe (Csathó & Radimszky, 2012).
greater quantities of both N and P from mineral fertilizers and from organic manure
to intensify their agriculture, as demonstrated in Figures 4.1 and 4.2.
For interpreting the agricultural NP application data from both agronomic and
environmental points of view, it is essential to compare them to the actual soil NP
status of the investigated area and evaluate them whether they are sound from both
agronomical and environmental aspects. As an example, strongly positive P balances
in areas with very low P content are justified from agronomic side, and pose no threat
to the environment. These soil P statuses are characteristic for the Central and Eastern
European EU countries. As an unfavorable phenomenon, opposite to the reasonable
practice, these EU countries have the lowest P application with unfavorable agro-
nomic, social, and rural development consequences. Oppositely, heavy P application
in areas with a very high P status, is unfavorable from agronomic aspect, and poses
a severe threat to the environment. These soil P statuses are characteristic for the
Western European EU countries with the highest livestock densities such as The Nether-
lands, Belgium, and in some regions within the given countries such as in the Bretagne
peninsula and in the Po valley. As an unfavorable phenomenon, opposite to the rea-
sonable practice, these EU countries and regions have the highest NP application, and
unfavorable environmental protection consequences.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search