Strategies for farmers and policy makers to control nitrogen losses whilst maintaining crop production.
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.
Goulding
Keith W T
KW
Agriculture and Environment Division, Rothamsted Research, AL5 2JQ, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK. keith.goulding@bbsrc.ac.uk
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
D005308:Fertilizers; D012987:Soil; D000641:Ammonia; D009584:Nitrogen