CAN A FARMING SYSTEMS-APPROACH HELP MINIMIZE NITROGEN LOSSES TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Farming practices are often developed to tackle one aspect of a proble m without due regard to other possible consequences. Nutrient manageme nt systems commonly concentrate on maximizing yields rather than attem pting to balance the needs of the crop with the desire to minimize con tamination of the environment. Particular problems are shown to be ass ociated with utilization of animal manures on arable crops, and the mo ve towards soil conservation practices, especially the use of cover cr ops. We suggest that nutrient budgets provide a suitable format for de veloping a systems approach. We consider the issues associated with ma naging nitrogen for whole farm systems, taking account of the need for efficient production and protection of the environment from losses by leaching and in gaseous form. Finally, we suggest a role for expert g roups in developing a systems approach.