**EU Mineral Fertiliser Use Rises in 2024**
The European Union has reported a significant increase in the consumption of mineral fertilisers in 2024, as indicated by data from Eurostat. Agricultural producers across the bloc applied a total of 9.8 million tonnes of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers, marking a 6.0 percent rise from the 9.2 million tonnes used in 2023. However, despite this increase, the overall usage remains 15.8 percent lower than the peak levels recorded in 2017.
Nitrogen-based fertilisers, which are crucial for enhancing crop yields, accounted for the majority of this increase. In 2024, an estimated 8.9 million tonnes of nitrogen fertilisers were used, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 5.8 percent. The data reveals that the highest levels of nitrogen fertiliser application were concentrated among the EU's leading agricultural nations. France topped the list with 1.8 million tonnes, followed by Germany with 1.1 million tonnes and Spain with 0.9 million tonnes.
In addition to nitrogen, the application of phosphorus fertilisers also saw a notable rise, increasing by 7.7 percent compared to the previous year. The total phosphorus fertiliser usage reached 0.9 million tonnes in 2024. The countries with the highest consumption of phosphorus-based fertilisers included Spain (0.14 million tonnes), France (0.12 million tonnes), Italy (0.10 million tonnes), Romania (0.09 million tonnes), and Germany (0.07 million tonnes). Collectively, these five nations accounted for over half of the total phosphorus fertiliser use within the EU.
While the increase in fertiliser application can be seen as a response to the growing demands of agricultural production, experts caution that excessive use can lead to environmental issues. Nutrient leaching from over-application of these substances can harm delicate ecosystems and contribute to pollution of both water and soil resources. As the EU continues to navigate the balance between agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, these figures underscore the ongoing challenges in managing fertiliser use effectively.
The rise in mineral fertiliser consumption reflects broader trends in agricultural practices across Europe, as producers seek to enhance crop yields amidst changing climatic conditions and market demands. However, the data also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable farming practices that minimize environmental impact while ensuring food security for the growing population.
As the EU moves forward, it will be essential for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to consider the implications of fertiliser use and to promote practices that support both agricultural productivity and environmental health.