Using the nutrient transfer continuum concept to evaluate the European Union Nitrates Directive National Action Programme
Article
Article Title | Using the nutrient transfer continuum concept to evaluate the European Union Nitrates Directive National Action Programme |
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ERA Journal ID | 36370 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Wall, D. (Author), Jordan, P. (Author), Melland, A. R. (Author), Mellander, P. -E. (Author), Buckley, C. (Author), Reaney, S. M. (Author) and Shortle, G. (Author) |
Journal Title | Environmental Science and Policy |
Journal Citation | 14 (6), pp. 664-674 |
Number of Pages | 11 |
Year | 2011 |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Place of Publication | New York, NY. United States |
ISSN | 1462-9011 |
1873-6416 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2011.05.003 |
Web Address (URL) | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901111000694# |
Abstract | Agricultural catchments are where farm and landscape management interact with policy and science; especially with regard to the implementation and evaluation of agri-environmental regulation. The Nitrates Directive constrains nitrogen and phosphorus use and management on agricultural land across all EU member states and is one of the programmes of measures to mitigate eutrophication of water resources under the Water Framework Directive. All policies require a robust evaluation tool and for the potential diffuse transfer of nutrients from land to water, the nutrient transfer continuum concept is applied here as an example framework in small (6-30km 2) catchments. The experimental design, methods and some early results are presented: auditing nutrient sources to established levels of compliance is the first stage and considers nutrient use and soil status. Studying pathways provides an understanding of linkages between the land sources and delivery in catchment rivers. This delivery is generally associated with episodic, high magnitude transfers and may not necessarily be the only or even primary ecological impact in rivers. Critiquing existing delivery/impact metrics and defining appropriate standards for identifying trajectories associated with diffuse nutrient transfer will be important in ensuring that agri-environmental policies are given a fair and thorough evaluation over a suitable time period. |
Keywords | catchments; nitrates directive; nitrogen; phosphorus |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 440704. Environment policy |
300201. Agricultural hydrology | |
300202. Agricultural land management | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Ireland |
University of Ulster, United Kingdom | |
Durham University, United Kingdom | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q290v/using-the-nutrient-transfer-continuum-concept-to-evaluate-the-european-union-nitrates-directive-national-action-programme
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