Agrosystems Research conducts extensive research on manure and nutrient policy together with Alterra, Applied Plant Research (PPO) and other partners for the Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The aim is to reduce nitrogen and phosphate emissions in agriculture. Where input reduction is unavoidable it is important to increase the efficiency of the inputs to limit yield losses.
We focus on nutrient use in open-cultivation systems and dairy farming. Important themes include guided fertiliser application, maximum use of animal manure, optimal management of soil reserves, grazing systems, and the use of clover in grassland systems. We not only conduct experimental research in all these areas: mathematical models also play an important role. Newly acquired knowledge is integrated quickly, making it possible to create new configurations for entire production systems (soil-plant-animal-manure). The models can be further adjusted on the ‘drawing board’ so they fit the requirements. This way, proposed policy scenarios or farming types can be translated into expected costs (yield losses) and effects (emissions reductions).
We make a substantial contribution to the basis of current policy formation in the Netherlands and the EU. Examples include the implementation of new nutrient use norms that will replace the current Dutch MINAS system in 2006; the development of the scientific basis of the ‘derogation’ for fertilising grassland, for which the Netherlands has requested EU permission; and the Evaluation of the Fertilisers Act 2004, issued in April 2004 by RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).