Controlling nitrate pollution: An integrated approach

摘要: The introduction of the EU Water Framework Directive requires policy to address non-point source pollution as part an overall integrated strategy improve ecological status water bodies. In this paper, we combine economic optimisation framework with a dynamic simulation model N transport in Kennet Catchment link decisions taken at farm level reductions nitrate concentrations River Kennet. We examine variety policies targeted reducing fertiliser use and changing way which land is used. find that tax on nitrogen emerges best both terms cost- environmental effectiveness. Such involves considerable reduction use, well as, restructuring land-use away from arable towards increased set-aside. Budgetary implications such radical move set-aside would be huge hence unlikely politically palatable given objective budgetary allocation agriculture. Additionally, current rise world demand for food may also mitigate calls increasing proportion out agricultural production. Although study succeeds establishing between actions stream water, further work required explore effect retention nitrates unsaturated zone groundwater link.