Trends in ammonia emissions from agriculture in Europe and in the Netherlands

Abstract

The emissions of ammonia (NH 3 ) from Dutch agriculture have grown exponentially. These emissions originate largely from animal manure and for a minor share (1-5%) from the application of chemical nitrogen fertilizers. The Dutch Priority Program on Acidification provided a scientific justification to the Dutch government for developing a policy aiming to reduce ammonia emissions. The long term emission targets are derived from critical loads for various types of ecosystems and from targets for nitrate leaching in nature areas. On the national level, policy instruments include the mandatory coverage of manure storage and the mandatory incorporation of slurries into the soil. Policy makers are preparing legislation prescribing that new stables and major stable adaptations meet certain emission requirements. Dutch policy makers have a number of concerns with respect to the ammonia problem, some of which can be dealt with by conducting more research. Policy makers are looking for new approaches to the ammonia problem, which is more attuned to region specific circumstances, such as the type of nature that is to be protected and the types of farming that are regionally dominant. A regional approach requires accurate region specific data on emissions, atmospheric transport, deposition, and dose–effect relations on vegetation.