Agricultural Nitrogen Pollution of Freshwater in Germany. The Governance of Sustaining a Complex Problem

Sabrina Kirschke,Jeanette Völker,Astrid Häger,Dieter Kirschke

doi:10.3390/w11122450

Abstract

The nitrogen pollution of freshwater heavily affects social–ecological systems. To reduce negative effects, research calls for an integrated approach, including a coherent and diverse set of governance instruments. Thus far, however, the effects of (non-)integration have been blurry. Taking Germany as an example, this study sheds light on the actual complexity of the problem along five dimensions of complexity (goals, variables, dynamics, interconnections, and uncertainties). It also sheds light on related governance instruments (rules, information, and economic incentives) and their impacts on problem-solving (implementation of specific measures). Analyses include expert interviews on complexity, European water and agricultural policies, and official data on the planning and implementation of measures to reduce nitrogen concentrations. Results show Germany’s path of sustaining a complex problem by using a non-coherent and low diversity governance approach, avoiding rigorous rules, and barely using economic instruments to deal with nitrogen surpluses. A stronger integration of water and agricultural policies, as well as a better use of economic instruments, are suggested to enhance water quality in the future.

Highlights

Nitrogen is a crucial element for agricultural production
The assumptions are analyzed taking nitrogen pollution from agriculture in Germany as an example. This case is interesting to study since nitrogen levels are high and above the thresholds advised for good water quality, in areas of intense livestock farming such as the north-western part of the country
The high standard deviation was explained by two outliers, with a majority of respondents opting for intense goal conflicts and only a minority opting for no goal conflicts between actors

Summary

Introduction

Nitrogen is a crucial element for agricultural production. Its application via fertilizers or livestock manure supports the growth of plants such as crops and pastures. Its use in agricultural production comes with the danger of doing too much, with a possible negative impact on water quality, biodiversity, and human health. Such possible negative impacts move both researchers and practitioners to call for a more efficient use of the nutrient in agricultural production [1,2,3,4]. Nitrogen is, amongst the parameters that has failed most in meeting national targets related to the SDG 6.3.2 indicator on good ambient water quality [3]. The pollution of freshwater is still severe, with only slight improvements in nitrate concentration in general and a deterioration of already strongly polluted areas since 2008 [5,6]

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Conclusion