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Study Reveals Wide-ranging Impact of Nitrogen Deposition on Biodiversity

Research has long established that nitrogen deposition—where nitrogen compounds from the atmosphere infiltrate soil or water—can cause biodiversity decline at localized levels. A groundbreaking study has now demonstrated that this detrimental effect extends to much larger territories, encompassing several kilometers. The research draws on data collected from eight European countries, notably including the Netherlands.

The findings are published in the journal Global Change Biology.

While nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, its deposition, particularly in the form of reactive nitrogen compounds such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3), can become detrimental when present in excess. This overabundance can lead to the decline of numerous plant species within affected areas.

Existing nitrogen regulations generally aim to safeguard biodiversity, but they typically stem from studies conducted in very small contexts, often just a few square meters. Lead researcher Fons van der Plas emphasizes a critical gap in knowledge regarding the impact of nitrogen at larger scales: “We do not know for sure whether the same effect can also be seen at larger scales of a few hectares or even larger, while this could have implications for policy.”

The recent study indicates that the adverse consequences of nitrogen deposition are indeed observable in environments ranging from a few hectares to hundreds of square kilometers. Van der Plas noted, “At high nitrogen levels, we see that consistently the same plant species disappear in multiple areas, such as blue knot and betony. These species, characteristic of heathland grasslands, are in sharp decline in the Netherlands and are even listed as endangered.”

This research substantiates the hypothesis that negative outcomes identified in small plots similarly apply to larger landscapes. The authors advocate for strong nitrogen management policies to bolster biodiversity conservation in natural ecosystems.

The insights garnered from this study are particularly relevant as the Netherlands navigates ongoing discussions about the relationship between nitrogen levels and biodiversity.

More information: Fons van der Plas et al, Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is related to plant biodiversity loss at multiple spatial scales, Global Change Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17445

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phys.org