The impact of the Nitrates Directive on nitrogen emissions from agriculture in the EU-27 during 2000–2008

Abstract A series of environmental policies have been implemented in the European Union (EU) to decrease nitrogen (N) emissions from agriculture. The Nitrates Directive (ND) is one of the main policies; it aims to reduce nitrate leaching from agriculture through a number of measures. A study was carried out to quantify the effects of the ND in the EU-27 on the leaching and runoff of nitrate (NO 3 − ) to groundwater and surface waters, and on the emissions of ammonia (NH 3 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and dinitrogen (N 2 ) to the atmosphere. We formulated a scenario with and a scenario without implementation of the ND. The model MITERRA-Europe was used to calculate N emissions on a regional level in the EU-27 for the period 2000–2008. The calculated total N loss from agriculture in the EU-27 was 13 Mton N in 2008, with 53% as N 2 , 22% as NO 3 , 21% as NH 3 , 3% as N 2 O, and 1% as NO x . The N emissions and leaching in the EU-27 slightly decreased in the period 2000–2008. Total emissions in the EU in 2008 were smaller with implementation of the ND than without the ND, by 3% for NH 3 , 6% for N 2 O, 9% for NO x , and 16% for N leaching and runoff in 2008. However, regional differences were large. The lower emissions with ND were mainly due to the lower N inputs by fertilizers and manures. In conclusion, implementation of the ND decreased both N leaching losses to ground and surface waters, and gaseous emissions to the atmosphere. It is expected that the ND will result in a further decrease in N emissions in EU-27 in the near future, because the implementation of the measures for the ND is expected to become more strict.