Integrated nitrogen input systems in Denmark

Summary

Cycling of N in agriculture through the use of mineral fertilizers, manures and N-fixing crops gives rise to many forms of N emissions to the environment, including nitrate (NO3) leaching, ammonia (NH3) volatilization and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, resulting in ground water pollution, eutrophication of surface waters, soil acidification and contributions to global warming. The high rates of N input in intensive North European agricultural systems have given rise to high loss rates, and the focus in Danish agriculture during the past two decades has been on increasing the N use efficiency with the aim of reducing losses. The N use efficiency at the system level can be increased by improved handling of manure, targeted application of fertilizers and manures, and through adjustments of the crop rotation.