Ammonia emissions in the Netherlands from manure and fertiliser, 1980 and 2000

Developments in ammonia emissions

Ammonia emissions from agriculture fell from 220 to 139 million kg between 1980 and 2000, a fall of 37%. The fertiliser policy has reduced the use per hectare of manure in the concentrated livestock farming areas and, in combination with the low-emission approach to manure spreading, this has led to a sharp decrease in local high emission levels. The fertiliser policy has also resulted in the increased use of manure in arable farming areas. Given the expansion of livestock farming in arable farming areas, the fall in emissions in these areas is less than the national average and has even increased in some places compared to 1980 (Groningen, Flevoland and Zeeland).

Technical note

The maps show the ammonia emissions per area of 5x5 kilometres.

References

• Hoek, K.W. van der (2002). Uitgangspunten voor de mest- en ammoniakberekeningen 1999 tot en met 2001 zoals gebruikt in de Milieubalans 2001 en 2002, inclusief dataset landbouwemissies 1980-2001. RIVM (report no. 773 004 013), Bilthoven.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Ammonia emissions by Agriculture and horticulture in the Netherlands, 1980-2002
• Emissions to air by target sector, 2002*
• Emissions to air by agriculture and horticulture in the Netherlands, 1990-2002*
• Acid deposition in the Netherlands, 1980-2001
• Nitrogen deposition in the Netherlands, 2001
• Guide to Environmental theme of Acidification and transboundary air pollution
• Guide to Environmental theme of Eutrophication

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• Recent emission data can be viewed in detail on the Data Warehouse of the 'Emissieregistratie'. This site also provides information about the methods for determining emission data and information about changes to methodology.