Supply of fertilizers in Europe with special reference to the Federal Republic of Germany

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Roemer, Peter¹

Note: [1] Peter Roemer studied political economies at the universities of Bonn, Freiburg and Innsbruck, from 1966 until 1972. He obtained his diploma from Bonn University in 1972. Since that year, he is employed by the Federal Statistical Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, working in the fields of construction and industrial production. As of 1983, he is charged with environment studies and statistics and is presently carrying out methodological studies for the purpose of developing a statistical information system for environmental uses.

Abstract: Available statistical sources for the description of major trends of fertilizer supply in Europe and, as a special example, in the Federal Republic of Germany since 1950, give rise to certain reservations. It can, however, be shown that the use of mineral fertilizers has taken a differing development in the various European countries with regard to both type and quantity. Especially the application of nitrogenous fertilizers is of increasing importance. The situation is more differentiated as far as phosphate and potash fertilizers are concerned. Due to many influencing factors, also the intensity of fertilizer application shows marked differences. Summary data on crop yields and agricultural areas shed additional light on the situations prevailing in the various countries. For the Federal Republic of Germany, a more detailed description can be given of fertilizer production and use in agriculture. Moreover, computations concerning the regular application of organic manure are available with a detailed description of their methodological bases. The use of fertilizers is to be connected with environmental considerations.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1985-3406

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 381-398, 1985