title: Strategies for farmers and policy makers to control nitrogen losses whilst maintaining crop production.
abstract: The nitrogen (N) cycle is essentially 'leaky'. The losses of small amounts of nitrate to waters and of ammonia and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere are a part of the global biogeochemical N cycle. However, intensive agricultural production, industry and vehicle use have more than doubled the amount of 'reactive' N in the environment, resulting in eutrophication, ecosystem change and health concerns. Research has identified agricultural practices that cause large losses of N and, in some cases, developed solutions. This paper discusses the problems of maintaining productivity while reducing N losses, compares conventional with low input (integrated) and organic farming systems, and discusses wider options. It also looks at the need to integrate studies on N with other environmental impacts, set in the context of the whole farm system, to provide truly sustainable agricultural systems.
authors.affiliation: Agriculture and Environment Division, Rothamsted Research, AL5 2JQ, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK. keith.goulding@bbsrc.ac.uk
authors.forename: Keith W T
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Goulding
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D000641:Ammonia / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D018556:Crops, Agricultural; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D005060:Europe; D005308:Fertilizers; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry*; D011640:Public Policy; D012987:Soil; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D005308:Fertilizers; D012987:Soil; D000641:Ammonia; D009584:Nitrogen