The cycling of nitrogen in the Danish agricultural sector and the loss to the environment

• Published in: Water science and technology 1999, Vol.39 (3), p.15-23
• Main Author: Jorgensen, LA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural industry; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Brackish; Chemical, physicochemical, biochemical and biological properties; Denmark; diffuse pollution; Emission; Emissions; EU regulations; Europe; Exact sciences and technology; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Global environmental pollution; input/output model; Limiting factors; Marine; Nitrogen; Organic matter; Physics, chemistry, biochemistry and biology of agricultural and forest soils; Polls & surveys; Pollution; precipitation; Primary production; Regulations; runoff; Soil and water pollution; Soil science; Statistical methods; Surveys; trend; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1223(99)00028-1

The total nitrogen flow through the Danish agricultural sector can be obtained from surveys conducted using traditional national statistical methods. These surveys are conducted on a regular yearly basis primarily for national economic reasons. However, the same data can be utilised for the description and quantification of important environmental processes. One of these important environmental processes is the emission of nitrogen into the Danish marine area, since nitrogen is the limiting factor for primary production. A large part of the total emission is derived from agriculture. The total loss of nitrogen is calculated from the input/output model as the residual part and this loss is coupled to the different geographical regions in the country. The agricultural sector is regulated through EU and national regulations. These regulations are presented and commented on from an environmental perspective.