The cycling of nitrogen in the Danish agricultural sector and the loss to the environment

The total nitrogen flow through the Danish agricultural sector can be obtained from surveys conducted using traditional national statistical methods. These surveys are conducted on a regular yearly basis primarily for national economic reasons. However, the same data can be utilised far the description and quantification of important environmental processes. One of these important environmental processes is the emission of nitrogen into the Danish marine area, since nitrogen is the limiting factor for primary production. A large part of the total emission is derived from agriculture. The total loss of nitrogen is calculated from the input/output model as the residual part and this loss is coupled to the different geographical regions in the country. The agricultural sector is regulated through EU and national regulations. These regulations are presented and commented on from an environmental perspective. (C) 1999 IAWQ Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.