In 2009 the quantity of fertilisers distributed for agricultural use fell by 4.7 million quintals (-9.6%) compared with the previous year. Specifically, the quantity of mineral fertilisers decreased by 8.3 million quintals (-23.8%), whereas the quantity of soil amendments increased (3.5 million quintals, +28.5%). Soil correctives on the other hand fell by 0.3%.
The distribution of fertilisers allowed in organic farming rose from 11.1 to 11.6 million quintals (+4.4% compared with 2008). The largest increase concerned soil amendments (1.5 million quintals, +24.9%), while soil correctives grew by 11.9%. These results show how EU programmes sustaining eco-compatible and organic farming are developing rapidly. Indeed, since they have a reduced content of nutrient elements, they can be used in large doses and thus increase and maintain the organic fertility of the land while respecting the environment.
The nutrient elements contained in fertilisers increased by 3.4% (from 23.4 to 24.2 million quintals); as a result, the concentration increased from 47.7% to 54.5%. Specifically, mineral fertilisers decreased by 12.7%, while soil amendments and correctives increased by 31.1% and 10.8% respectively.
A geographical analysis shows that 64.4% of fertiliser distribution is concentrated in the North, 15.0% in the Centre and the remaining 20.6% in the South. In the North, Lombardia and Veneto take up, respectively, 16.3% and 15.9% of national distribution.
In the Centre and the South, of particular note are Toscana and Puglia, where 5.4% and 7.4%, respectively, of the total quantity are distributed.