Arable land losses are due to inefficiencies in farm
management: 33% of the phosphorus entering the soil is
lost by erosion (both wind and water). Only between 15-
30% of the applied phosphorus fertiliser is actually taken
up by harvested crops. Losses at the livestock production
level are mostly due to improper management of manure,
about half of the phosphorus entering the livestock system
is lost into the environment instead of reapplied to farm soil
where it could be used by subsequent crops.