Ammonia Patterns to 2030

Air pollution, in particular atmospheric nitrogen deposition, is recognised as a major pressure on biodiversity in the UK and a significant threat to protected nature conservation sites , . Nitrogen is a major component of fertiliser which is why it has an important role to play in food production. However, when excess atmospheric nitrogen spreads into the wider environment it can cause problems. Excess nitrogen from farming practices can be emitted to the air as ammonia (NH3) and re-deposited into soils and freshwaters. This new project will build on the existing work and assesses likely barriers to implementation and how this might change as the UK leaves the EU. It will also update the methodology for considering mitigation options, verify appropriate sue of modelled projections and consider the wider countryside, as well as protected sites. This work will provide a basis for cost-benefit analysis, both in relation to reducing total UK ammonia and emissions and more local assessments for protected sites and priority habitats.