Achieving Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Mixed Farming Landscapes Based on Collaborative Planning

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