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21 - Nitrogen as a threat to European soil quality
- from Part IV - Managing nitrogen in relation to key societal threats
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- By Gerard Velthof, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Sébastien Barot, IRD-Bioemco, Jaap Bloem, Alterra Wageningen University and Research Centre, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Wim de Vries, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Johannes Kros, Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Patrick Lavelle, INRA, Colombia, Jørgen Eivind Olesen, Aarhus University Department of Agroecology and Environment, Oene Oenema, Wageningen University and Research Centre
- Edited by Mark A. Sutton, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, UK, Clare M. Howard, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, UK, Jan Willem Erisman, Gilles Billen, Albert Bleeker, Peringe Grennfelt, Hans van Grinsven, Bruna Grizzetti
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- Book:
- The European Nitrogen Assessment
- Published online:
- 16 May 2011
- Print publication:
- 14 April 2011, pp 495-510
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- Chapter
- Export citation
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Summary
Executive summary
Nature of the problem
A large part of agricultural soils in Europe are exposed to high N inputs because of animal manure and chemical fertiliser use. Large parts of the European natural soils are exposed to high atmospheric N deposition.
High N inputs threaten soil quality, which may negatively affect food and biomass production and biodiversity and enhance emissions of harmful N compounds from soils to water and the atmosphere.
Approaches
An overview of the major soil functions and soil threats are presented, including a description of the objectives of the European Soil Strategy.
The major N threats on soil quality for both agricultural and natural soils are related to changes in soil organic content and quality, soil acidification, and loss of soil diversity. These threats are described using literature.
Key findings/state of knowledge
Generally, N has a positive effect on soil quality of agricultural soils, because it enhances soil fertility and conditions for crop growth. However, it generally has a negative effect on soil quality of natural soils, because it results in changes in plant diversity.
Soil acts as a filter and buffer for N, and protects water and atmosphere against N pollution. However, the filter and buffer capacity of soils is frequently exceeded by excess of N in both agricultural and natural soils, which results in emission of N to the environment.
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