Uncertainty slows down emissions

In order to give farmers a chance to reduce agricultural emissions, more clarity is needed on a number of points. That is the recommendation made by the Dutch Arable Farming Union (NAV) in its report on the 6th Nitrates Directive Action Programme.

The conclusion of the report With regard to the emissions of minerals to groundwater and surface water, there is a lot of uncertainty about the management by various governments. Especially with regard to the contribution of sources other than agriculture to the measured N and P in the water and the method of measurement, about the models used and the standards. In summary, it concerns the following main points:

• Measurements
  The great diversity in managers and managers can easily lead to ambiguous policy, which does not benefit good nutrient policy/management. The NAV argues in favor of a reduction in the number of administrators and management from a single ministry. It must be possible to achieve unambiguous management and unambiguous control. The measurement results based on filtered samples must be directly attributable to agriculture. There should therefore be no more turbidity from other sources.
   
• Sources
  It is clear what contributions other than agriculture make to the minerals found in the water. The NAV therefore also advocates an accelerated unraveling of the source contributions, so that agriculture can limit its share in the emissions. Agriculture cannot solve what it does not cause. In order to achieve a good balance in the solution directions, the NAV advocates accelerated improvement programs for sources outside agriculture, so that synchronization is optimal.
  Agriculture cannot solve what it does not cause
  
  
  In addition, the influence of aquatic sediment on P emissions to surface water must be investigated as soon as possible, the P lag effect must be included in the background emissions. Corrections can be made for this in the Water Framework Directive (WFD), so that the correct standards are created.
   
• Designs
  It is unclear to what extent the models used to calculate policy measures are sufficiently updated and validated. The NAV argues in favor of updating all models used to model nutrient emissions to the soil, water and air, as well as updating the results of previous modellings.
   
• Standards
  The NAV argues in favor of raising the upper limit of the 'low' class from Pw<35 to Pw<45 on account of the agricultural aspects and to include this in the 6th Nitrates Directive Action Programme. Not enough is known about the effects of P-balance fertilization and P-redelivery from the soil. This should also be investigated as soon as possible. In addition, arable farming is familiar with fertilization recommendations based on Pw and should remain so. The NAV also advocates continuation of the equivalent measures in the 6th Nitrates Directive Action Programme.
   
• Good agricultural practice
  In order to give substance to good agricultural practice, the NAV argues for farmers to measure water quality and soil quality (P and N status) themselves. The regulations for the incorporation of solid manure by arable farming must also be amended. This is not mandatory for livestock farming, the NAV states that this involves measuring with two standards.

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