Achieving sustainable nitrogen management in mixed farming landscapes based on collaborative planning

Andreas Aa Christensen, Peter Stubkjær Andersen, Christian Kjeldsen, Morten Graversgaard, Erling Andersen, Kristoffer Piil, Tommy Dalgaard, Jørgen E. Olesen, Henrik Vejre

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Regulation of nitrogen (N) loss from the agri-environment is a global challenge with dire consequences for food production and environmental management. This is also the case in Denmark where regulation largely relies on general measures for reducing N inputs. These measures have significantly reduced nitrogen emissions, but further reduction is needed to achieve sustainable low levels of N transport to freshwater and marine ecosystems in compliance with standards set by the EU Water Framework Directive. As an alternative to general regulation, we tested a watershedbased, collaborative planning approach, engaging stakeholders in solution identification. Six watersheds with substantial agricultural production were used as test areas. A collaborative planning process of two stakeholder workshops embedded within a scenario formulation process was executed. Stakeholder inputs about possible, desirable and sustainable futures were used to formulate scenarios, for which N reduction effects were calculated. Upon conclusion of this process, results were assessed using a structured evaluation method. Results indicate that the process we tested was successful in terms of (1) engaging relevant stakeholders, (2) providing relevant data, (3) achieving processual flexibility, (4) including local knowledge and (5) facilitating a creative and explorative process. On this basis, suggestions for improving collaborative planning processes are provided.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2140
JournalSustainability
Volume13
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)1-21
Number of pages21
ISSN2071-1050
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Agri-environment
  • Agriculture
  • Evaluation
  • Landscape ecology
  • Rural planning
  • Watershed

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