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Implementing The Action Programme For Nitrate Vulnerable Zones In Scotland (2007)
Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient and the cycling of nitrogen through the environment is a natural process, but excess nitrates lost from the land into the water environment can cause harm to both aquatic life and to drinking water. In an effort to tackle this Europe-wide problem, the European Union adopted the Nitrates Directive in 1991. This Directive requires Member States to identify areas where nitrate from agricultural sources is contributing to surface waters or groundwater reaching a concentration of 50 milligrams of nitrate per litre (50mg NO3/l). The land that drains into these areas must be designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) and an Action Programme of measures introduced. In Scotland, four NVZs have been designated, comprising 14% of the land area and encompassing approximately 12,000 holdings.
This briefing reports research by SAC and Queen Margaret University College for the Scottish Government on farmers’ awareness, attitudes and agricultural practices in relation to NVZs.