Solution scenarios and the effect of top down versus bottom up N mitigation measures

This paper presents methods and preliminary results developed within The Danish Nitrogen Research Alliance (www.dNmark.org). This include solution scenarios to meet the N loss reduction goals set by the EU Water Framework Directive, The National Emissions Ceilings Directive, and the paradigm shifting, new 2016 Danish N action plan. Compared to the previous series of action plans 1985-2016, the new action plan shifts from input to output based regulation. It introduces geographically targeted measures on top of the existing general regulation, with more room for green growth via an intensified use of N and increased economic benefits from production as long as the defined environmental targets are met. We argue that this opens up for new bottom-up methods to be developed for locally adapted solutions to the N pollution reduction challenge, in addition to top-down measures to further increase N use efficiency.