Nutrient budgeting is used in agriculture. The process involves balancing nutrients coming into the farming system with those leaving. The aim is to prevent pollution events and save costs by precisely matching the nutrient requirements of the crop with application of organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Nutrients entering the farming system from:

• Residual nutrients in the soil and organic matter remaining in the soil from previous crops
• Green manure
• Animal manures and slurries
• Inorganic fertilizer application

are balanced with nutrients leaving the farming system in crops.

See also

• Fertilizer
• Nutrient management
• Sustainable agriculture

Agriculture | Agricultural soil science | Sustainable agriculture