Limits of effective nutrient management in dairy farming: analyses of experimental farm De Marke

Intensive dairy production in the Netherlands is associated with high farm nutrient (N and P) inputs and high losses to the environment. The Dutch government and the dairy sector stimulate farmers to reduce losses through more efficient use of N and P inputs on their farms. This study explores for a dairy farm on dry sandy soil with average Dutch production intensity (12,000 kg milk per ha) the possibilities to meet strict environmental standards related to N and P by maximizing N and P use efficiency at the level of the farm and of the soil. Moreover, the study addresses the effects of efficient nutrient management on soil fertility...