Options to improve the nitrogen use efficiency in the Dutch agriculture sector

Abstract

The aim of this study is to quantify the N flows and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in Dutch agriculture and to assess options to improve this efficiency. Improvement options related to i) reduced mineral N fertilizer use, ii) reduced feed import and iii) reduced N emissions were identified and their impact was estimated for 2030 and 2040. Current NUE of the crop system is 58%, whereas in the NUE of the livestock system 30%. The results show that the improvement options could lead to N saving of 97 kton by 2030 and up to 209 kton N by 2040. This would increase the NUE of Dutch agriculture from 40% in 2020 to 52% in 2040. Most of the N savings can be obtained by measures that reduce the mineral N fertilizer use, of which the use of clover in grassland is the main option. These findings show that there is still large scope for improvement in NUE in Dutch agriculture, which will reduce the N emissions to the environment and improve nutrient cycling