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Nitrogen deposition in the Netherlands, 2001

Development of nitrogen deposition


Until a few years ago, the average deposition of nitrogen was virtually stable at around 3,000 mol/ha. However, nitrogen deposition has in recent years fallen to an average level of 2,300 mol/ha. Nitrogen deposition on Dutch ecosystems was 2,410 mol/ha in 2001. This is due to a slight drop in the deposition of NOx and a more recent decrease in NHX deposition. About 66% of nitrogen depositions is caused by Dutch sources. The Dutch agriculture sector contributes 52% of the total nitrogen deposition. In areas with a lot of intensive livestock farming (De Peel, the Gelderland Valley and parts of the Achterhoek and Twente), emissions of NH3 are causing a substantial rise in nitrogen deposition.

Policy


The objective for nitrogen deposition is an average of 1,550 mol acid/ha for Dutch nature in 2010. This objective provides full protection for 30% of the surface area of Dutch nature (VROM, 2001).

Relevance


The objective is based on critical deposition levels for various types of nature.

Technical note


The calculations were made using the OPS (Operational Priority Substances) atmospheric transport and deposition model as well as detailed spatial emission data.

References


  • Albers. R., J. Beck, A. Bleeker, L. van Bree, J. van Dam, L. van der Eerden, J. Freijer, A. van Hinsberg, M. Marra, C. van der Salm, A. Tonneijck, W. de Vries, L. Wesselink and F. Wortelboer (2001). Evaluatie van de verzuringsdoelstellingen: de onderbouwing. RIVM (report no. 725 501 001), Bilthoven.
  • RIVM (2002). Luchtkwaliteit. Jaaroverzicht 2001. RIVM, Bilthoven.
  • VROM (2001). National Environmental Policy Plan 4. Working on sustainability: Where there's a will there's a world. Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, The Hague.

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This page was last changed on November 18, 2005  (version 01).