Changes in fertilizer and manurial practices during 1960-1990: implications for N and P inputs to the Ythan catchment, N.E. Scotland

Abstract

A suggested increase in the growth of macrophytic algae within the Ythan estuary (N.E. Scotland) over recent years has been linked to the increased amounts of nitrogen in the form of NO3–N entering the estuary from the river. The increased NO3 concentration in the river has been associated with recent changes in farming practices in this predominantly agricultural catchment. Terrestrially derived phosphorus is also considered to contribute increasingly to eutrophication of fresh waters. Historical agricultural census data together with appropriate surveys of fertilizer practice were used to calculate the total quantities of fertilizer and manure derived N and P applied annually over the wholeYthan catchment during the period 1960 – 1990. While the total agricultural land area has remained similar, significant changes in cropping practice have occurred. In particular, a greater proportion of land is given to autumn sown crops while the area of grassland has declined. These changes in farming practice are associated with differences in both the total amounts and timing of fertilizer applied. The use of inorganic N in the catchment has trebled since 1960 and is currently approximately 6400 tonnes (104 kg N/ha). The use of P has decreased by more than a quarter to 1274 tonnes (21 kg P/ha) over a similar time period. There has been no obvious change in total quantity of N and P derived from animal manures, estimated to be 44 and 11 kg per ha, respectively, when averaged over the area of agricultural land. Cattle and sheep numbers have remained relatively constant and together account for approximately 80% of the manure N and 70% of the manure P produced annually. However, poultry have declined by 70% since 1960 while pig numbers have increased six-fold. The average annual application rate of manure derived N over the whole catchment (44 kg/ha) is considerably below that proposed at the farm scale in the EC Nitrate Directive (210–170 kg/ha). However, on a local scale difficulties may arise for large manure producing concerns such as dairy or pig units.