Nitrogen and phosphorus balance refer to the amount of nitrogen which is left in the soil in the end of the growing season and thus at risk to be leached into water bodies.

Nitrogen content of the fertilizer affects the quantity and quality of the crop yield. Soil type, amount of humus in the soil and previous vegetation determine the amount of nitrogen fertilizers needed. Peatlands are rich in nitrogen, sandy soils are typically poorer. The need for nitrogen fertilization is smaller for species which host nitrogen fixating bacteria in their root systems. Due to nitrogen fertilizers the soil becomes more acid, which affects the availability of other nutrients.

Phosphorus tends to be bound in the soil in a form which plants can not utilize. This affects the amount of phosphorus fertilizers used. The proportion of unavailable phosphorus depends on for example soil type. The utilization of phosphorus can be enhanced by liming. Shortage of phosphorus decreases the crop yield.

Potassium is plentiful in clay but less abundant in peatlands and sandy soils. Potassium is important for plant growth and development.