Statewide Improvements in Nitrogen balance

Lower Saxony is making strides in responsible nutrient management, according to the latest nutrient report from the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture (LWK). The report, covering July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, assesses the impact of both animal husbandry and mineral fertilization, comparing actual practices against federal regulations. While overall nitrogen fertilizer levels are below legal limits at the state level, challenges persist in specific regions.

The report, presented by Minister of Agriculture Miriam Staudte alongside experts from various state agencies, highlights a positive shift in fertilization practices. The legally permissible nitrogen fertilization is not fully exploited at the state level. This indicates a move towards more efficient and environmentally conscious farming methods.

The nutrient report confirms that Lower Saxony is on the right path. The setting of fertilization on the factories has changed positively compared to earlier.

Miriam Staudte, Minister of Agriculture

Regional Disparities: A Closer Look

Despite the positive statewide trend, the report identifies areas where fertilizer application exceeds recommended levels. Specifically, 80 municipalities, encompassing five districts or self-reliant cities, show a calculated excess of fertilizer requirements, totaling approximately 1,681 tons of nitrogen. This necessitates targeted interventions to reduce nutrient surpluses or decrease nitrogen fertilization in thes regions.

This localized issue underscores the complexity of nutrient management, where factors such as soil type, crop rotation, and livestock density can substantially influence fertilizer needs.Addressing these regional imbalances is crucial for achieving broader environmental goals.

Cloppenburg District: A Case Study in Exceeding Limits

The district of Cloppenburg remains a focal point of concern. While nitrogen expansion has decreased from 189 kg per hectare to 175 kg per hectare, it still surpasses the federal limit of 170 kg of nitrogen from organic and organic-mineral fertilizers (business fertilizers). This means that farms in this district, on average, are applying more nitrogen from manure and similar sources than legally permitted.

This situation highlights the need for stricter enforcement and perhaps, additional support for farmers in Cloppenburg to adopt best practices in nutrient management. This could include promoting precision fertilization techniques, improving manure storage and handling, and encouraging the use of cover crops to capture excess nitrogen.

Declining Manure and Fermentation Residues

On a positive note, the report indicates a continued decline in manure and fermentation residues from animal husbandry and biogas plants.The total amount for the reporting period was 52.7 million tons, a decrease of 0.4 million tons (0.8 percent) compared to the previous year. This reduction suggests improvements in manure management practices and potentially, a shift towards more efficient biogas production.

The Path Forward: Balancing Agricultural Needs and Environmental Protection

The Lower Saxony nutrient report paints a nuanced picture of fertilizer management in the region. While notable progress has been made in reducing overall nitrogen surpluses, regional disparities and specific challenges, such as those in cloppenburg, require continued attention. Achieving a enduring balance between agricultural productivity and environmental protection will depend on effective policies, farmer education, and the adoption of innovative technologies.

the continued positive trend, which the nutrient report documents when dealing with nutrient surpluses in Lower Saxony, shows again that the farms are trapped in the way. This deserves great recognition.

Gerhard Schwetje, President of the Chamber of Agriculture

Moving forward, Lower Saxony can leverage data-driven insights from the nutrient report to refine its strategies and ensure that all regions contribute to achieving the goals of the EC Water Former Directive and EU Nitratrichts, safeguarding water quality for future generations.

The State of Play: Nutrient Levels in German Agriculture

Germany’s agricultural sector faces ongoing challenges in balancing nutrient application with environmental protection. Recent data reveals a complex picture of both progress and persistent issues related to nitrogen and phosphate levels in soil and water.

Biogas Boom: Increased Use of Business Fertilizers

The utilization of business fertilizers in biogas plants continues to climb, reaching a new high of 9.5 million tons of fixed manure. This represents an increase from the previous year’s 9.1 million tons, indicating a growing reliance on this energy source.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Trends: A Shift in Usage

Sales figures for mineral nitrogen fertilizer reveal a fluctuating trend. After a period of decline from 2016/17, sales have seen a slight rebound. according to the Federal Statistical Office,sales increased from approximately 142,000 tons in the 2022/23 financial year to around 158,000 tons in the current reporting period.

Several factors contributed to the earlier decline, including:

• the 2017 amendment to the (federal) Fertilization Ordinance, which introduced stricter regulations on fertilizer requirements.
• Weather-related influences, such as droughts.
• The introduction of electronic nutrient reports in Lower Saxony.
• Significant increases in mineral fertilizer prices, especially in the spring of 2022.

These factors have prompted companies to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape and optimize their use of both mineral and organic fertilizers.

Phosphate Imbalance: Deficits and Surpluses

Analysis of phosphate fertilization practices reveals a nationwide deficit. The national phosphate fertilization rate (determined need vs. fertilization) shows a deficit of 19,138 tons of phosphate, equivalent to 8 kilograms of phosphate per hectare. This indicates that, phosphate fertilization is below the calculated requirement at the state level.

Though, regional disparities exist. In five counties-Cloppenburg, Emsland, Grafschaft Bentheim, Oldenburg, and Vechta-there is an arithmetic surplus of phosphate presentation, with fertilization exceeding the need by approximately 2,935 tons of phosphate. Reducing this surplus is crucial for environmental sustainability.

Water Quality: A Slow Road to Improvement

Despite efforts to improve nutrient management, positive trends in nutrient load in basic and surface waters are not yet universally observed. A significant portion of groundwater measuring points still exhibit nitrate values exceeding 50 mg/l, with no discernible change.

This underscores the continued need to reduce existing nutrient surpluses and prevent additional loads. Achieving the goals of the EC Water Framework Directive and the EU Nitrates Directive hinges on further reducing water pollution from agricultural nutrient use. Currently, only a small fraction-around three percent-of surface water bodies achieve a good ecological state or potential, largely due to widespread nutrient inputs.

Government Initiatives and Expert Opinions

minister of Agriculture Staudte emphasized the importance of sustained efforts and collaborative exchange to advance positive trends. Following the latest nutrient report, her ministry established a round table with the district of Cloppenburg to foster dialog and identify strategies for further reducing nutrient surpluses. Similar initiatives will be launched in regions with high phosphorus surpluses.

Companies that have been proven to be able to water should be released from certain requirements of the Federal General Regulation, such as from reducing nitrogen fertilization by 20 percent below the fertilized requirement.
Minister of Agriculture Staudte

Minister Staudte also expressed her commitment to advocating for greater consideration of causation at the federal level.

The Importance of Controlled Fertilizer Application

Limiting the use of business fertilizers is particularly significant from a water protection viewpoint. Manure-based fertilizers are not fully absorbed by plants in the year of application, with only about 60 percent being utilized. The remaining nitrogen becomes available gradually, posing a risk of soil enrichment and subsequent nitrogen entries into groundwater if fertilization is not carefully managed. The 170 kg N/ha limit is a crucial indicator of responsible nutrient management.

Assessing the State of Global Nutrition

The recently released Nutrient Report for 2023-2024 paints a concerning picture of global food security and nutritional well-being.The report, presented at a press conference earlier today, highlights key areas where significant improvements are needed to ensure adequate nutrition for all populations.

Key Findings: A Deep Dive into Nutritional Deficiencies

The report identifies several critical areas of concern. One major finding is the persistent prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in developing nations. Iron deficiency, for example, continues to affect millions, leading to anemia and impaired cognitive development, especially in children. According to the World Health Association (WHO), iron deficiency affects nearly 30% of the world’s population.

Moreover, the report emphasizes the growing problem of hidden hunger, where individuals consume enough calories but lack essential vitamins and minerals. This is frequently enough linked to diets heavily reliant on processed foods, which are typically low in nutritional value.

“Addressing hidden hunger requires a multi-faceted approach, including promoting dietary diversity and fortifying staple foods with essential nutrients.”

Nutrient Report 2023-2024

The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security

Climate change is exacerbating existing challenges to food security. Erratic weather patterns,including droughts and floods,are disrupting agricultural production and leading to food shortages in vulnerable regions. The report underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient agricultural practices to ensure stable food supplies in the face of environmental challenges.

For example, innovative farming techniques like vertical farming and drought-resistant crops are gaining traction as potential solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on food production. These methods offer the potential to increase yields while minimizing water usage and land degradation.

policy Recommendations: Charting a Path Forward

The Nutrient Report 2023-2024 offers several policy recommendations aimed at improving global nutrition. These include:

• Investing in agricultural research and development to enhance crop yields and nutritional content.
• Strengthening food fortification programs to address micronutrient deficiencies.
• Promoting nutrition education to encourage healthy eating habits.
• Implementing social safety nets to ensure access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
• Developing sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The report stresses that a collaborative effort involving governments, international organizations, and the private sector is essential to achieve meaningful progress in improving global nutrition and food security.Failure to act decisively will have far-reaching consequences for public health and economic development.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing nutrition

Emerging technologies are playing an increasingly important role in addressing nutritional challenges. Precision agriculture, for example, uses data analytics and sensor technology to optimize crop production and nutrient management. Mobile apps and online platforms are also being used to deliver nutrition education and promote healthy eating habits.

Moreover, advancements in food science are leading to the development of novel food products that are both nutritious and sustainable. these innovations offer the potential to transform the food system and improve access to healthy food for all.