The Nitrates Directive has reduced nitrogen input to waters and promoted better management practices, however it takes time to see its effects because of the lag time of nitrate pollution in groundwater. The 50 mg/L nitrate threshold seems insufficient to protect the ecological quality of water systems. In some European regions, high livestock densities and manure production exceed safe limits, driving nitrate pollution. The 170 kg/ha manure limit has contributed to capping livestock numbers and improve air quality, but a more integrated approach to nutrient management is needed to balance agricultural production with environmental protection. An integrated approach to crop nutrient management and reduced nitrogen input can minimize environmental impacts without significant yield losses. Adopting sustainable farming practices and manure recycling can reduce nitrogen losses and support EU green transition and climate neutrality goals, ensuring water resilience and sustainable food production.
GRIZZETTI Bruna;
BIELZA Maria;
BOSCO Simona;
BOURAOUI Faycal;
DE MEIJ Alexander;
FREE Gary;
GALIMBERTI Francesco;
HUYGENS Dries;
KOEBLE Renate;
LUGATO Emanuele;
MINGARELLI Sandra;
PACIFICO Federica;
PANAGOS Panos;
PISONI Enrico;
SCHIEVANO Andrea;
UDIAS Angel;
VAN DE BUND Wouter;
VAN DER VELDE Marijn;
VAN EYNDE Elise;
VARKITZI Ioanna;
WEISS Franz;
2026-07-03
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC143163
978-92-68-41041-7 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 40769,
OP KJ-01-26-277-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC143163,
10.2760/6539397 (online),
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