Abstract
ABSTRACT Human intervention in global nitrogen cycling has led to excess reactive nitrogen (Nr) flows to the environment, impacting terrestrial ecosystems as well as the quality of the atmosphere and waterbodies. This paper presents the results of a study that quantified and compared the main flows of Nr through forest land and wetlands in Latvia and Estonia using substance flow analysis approach based on data from statistics, research results, reports, monitoring programmes, data bases and expert estimations. Input and output flows to and from the forest land and wetlands both in Latvia and Estonia are well balanced, with a trend to be a Nr sink (+1.2 kT N yr−1) for Latvia and a Nr source (−6.5 kT N yr−1) for Estonia. Major input flow to the studied pools in Estonia is a soil nitrogen stock used for forest growth, while in Latvia, it is atmospheric deposition and biological fixation. Major output flow of Nr in both countries occurs via wood and peat for industrial uses. Emissions of Nr to the atmosphere and hydrosphere from forest land and wetlands are significantly lower compared to human-related emissions such as industries, energy production, agriculture, human settlements, and transport.
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