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Modelling mitigation options to reduce diffuse nitrogen water pollution from agriculture
Fayçal Bouraoui1, Bruna Grizzetti
1European Commission, Joint Research Centre, via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
The Science of the Total Environment
|September 4, 2013
Summary
Models help reduce agricultural nitrogen pollution impacting European waters. They assess mitigation measures like fertilizer management and wetlands, aiding Water Framework Directive implementation and water quality improvement.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Agriculture significantly degrades water quality, contributing 55% of nitrogen pollution to European Seas.
- The Water Framework Directive (WFD) mandates nutrient loss reduction from agriculture for water resource protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review models used in Europe for assessing nitrogen mitigation measures in agriculture.
- To highlight the correlation between model complexity and scenario testing capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Review of various models assessing nitrogen mitigation effectiveness.
- Categorization of models (conceptual vs. physically-based) based on scenario complexity and application.
Main Results:
- Conceptual models are suited for evaluating reduced fertilizer application.
- Physically-based models assess mitigation timing, location, and response times.
- Model complexity influences the types of scenarios that can be tested.
Conclusions:
- Models are crucial for selecting effective and cost-efficient nitrogen mitigation strategies.
- Considering lag times and potential trade-offs is vital for successful water quality management.
- Models facilitate stakeholder involvement in developing and implementing catchment mitigation plans.
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