Open AccessEuropean perspectives on nitrogen fixation and the application of mineral nitrogen
Author(s) -
L. R. Mytton
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
grassland research and practice series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2463-4751
pISSN - 0110-8581
DOI - 10.33584/rps.6.1995.3345
Subject(s) - subsidy , nitrogen fixation , nitrogen , agriculture , common agricultural policy , nitrogen balance , reactive nitrogen , production (economics) , natural resource economics , agricultural productivity , european union , overproduction , environmental science , nitrogen cycle , agricultural economics , business , agronomy , environmental protection , economics , international trade , biology , chemistry , ecology , organic chemistry , biochemistry , enzyme , macroeconomics , market economy
An analysis is made of the main factors influencing nitrogen use in the European Union (EU). The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is identified as a major factor. A brief explanation is given of its functions and of recent reforms which are aimed at reducing overproduction. These reforms should favour more efficient use of nitrogen. The reasons why this is difficult to achieve are explained and the major factors influencing our ability to balance the nitrogen economies of food production are identified. The interrelationship between these factors is then used to predict the impact of CAP reforms on research, on fertiliser use and on the wider use of legumes. Keywords: Common Agricultural Policy, Europe, farm subsidies, legumes, nitrogen cycle, nitrogen fertiliser, nitrogen fixation, over-production, pollution, soil organic matter