Developing DRAINMOD-EMA Technology for Defining the Nitrogen Dressing as a Function of Environmental Constraints

The objective of this research is to control the nitrate-nitrogen concentration in surface water to 11.3 mg l (EU standards) and determine the exact nitrogen amount that has to be applied to achieve this limitation and calculate the corresponding plant uptake. The method used in this study is a combination between DRAINMOD-N model and Environmental Management for Agriculture (EMA), applying the methodology to the Molenbeek and the Mark catchments. The two catchments are situated in the Flemish, northern, part of Belgium. The study illustrates that the EMA in combination with DRAINMOD-N is a powerful and suitable tool for analysing and controlling nitrate leaching to surface waters. Results gave an idea in which way the amount of nitrogen applications has to be adjusted to achieve the plant uptake and the environmental target.