Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Food production and consumption in Germany: N flows and N emissions

  • Published:
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

During the past four decades the authors perceive that an increasing non-sustainability (Disintegration) within the agriculture , human nutrition, waste management complex has occurred both in Germany and the European Union. Compared to the basic needs of the population for nutritive energy, fat and protein, we estimate that the production and consumption of food and feed is more than 50% higher than necessary. Using nitrogen (N) input into German agriculture in 1991/92 as an example, we estimated that the N input of 191 kg ha-1 was 2 to 3 times too high. This high N input resulted in the net biomass production of 45 kg ha-1, a 25% efficiency. This inefficiency causes emissions of reactive N and other nutrient compounds into the hydrosphere and atmosphere that were 2 to 8 times too high. For example the contributions of agriculture to the total annual N2O–N emissions of Germany (during 1990–1992), Europe (1990) and of the world (1989) were 110, 691 Gg and 6.7 Tg or 52, 62 and 41%, respectively. The authors demonstrate that emissions of N and P from Germany and EU waste water management systems are also higher than necessary because nutrient recycling is not practiced extensively. Excessive food production and consumption has made the agriculture/human nutrition/waste and waste water complex, like the energy/transportation complex, a main cause of new transboundary environmental damage such as soil and water acidification, hypertrophication of near-natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and climate change.

We propose that a sustainable food production/consumption system can be developed that is based both on need-oriented production and consumption with no net exports and on recovery, recycling and more efficient use of nutrients. Using N as an example, the authors show which short and long term action aims must be set and realized by the year 2015, to meet environmental, economical and social sustainability requisites. The suggested, assumed sustainable N balance for German agriculture is characterized by a critical annual input and surplus maximum of 80 and 45 kg N ha-1 respectively, which should almost double biomass production efficiency for N utilization. This estimate is based on reducing animal stocking rates to 0.5 gross weight unit ha-1 to attain no net mineralization or immobilization of N in the soil.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aakra A & Bleken-Azzaroli M (1997) N2O emission from Norwegian agriculture as estimated by the IPCC Methodology. International Workshop of dissipation of N from the human N cycle, and its role in present and future N2O emissions to the Atmosphere. Oslo, 22-25 May 1997, University of Norway. Working Papers, p 4

  • Azzaroli-Bleken M & Bakken LR (1997): The nitrogen cost of food production: Norwegian Society. Ambio 26 (3): 134-142

    Google Scholar 

  • Boeckx P, Cleemput O & Dewer A (1997) Nitrous oxide emission from agriculture in Belgium, p 13. Ed.: Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences of the University of Gent, Belgium

    Google Scholar 

  • Born van den, Bouwman AF, Olivier JGJ & Swart RJ (1991) The emission of greenhouse gases in the Netherlands. Ed.: National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection, p 128. Bilthoven, the Netherlands, Report no. 222901003

  • Bouma J (1994) Sustainable land use as a future focus for pedology? Soil Sci Soc Am J 58: 645-646

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouwman AF (1996) Direct emission of nitrous oxide from agricultural soils. Nutrient Cycling Agroecosyst 46: 53-70

    Google Scholar 

  • Brumme R, Borken W & Finke S (1997) Temporal dynamic and annual site variation of nitrous oxide emissions from forest ecosystems. In: Wiesen P (ed) Proc. 7th International Workshop on nitrous oxide emissions, pp 255-262. April 21-23, 1997, Cologne, Maternushaus. Bergische Universität-GH Wuppertal, D 42097 Wuppertal

    Google Scholar 

  • Dörsch P, Palojärvi A & Mommertz S (1997) Induction of transient nitrous oxide emissions by freeze-thaw treatment. In: Wiesen P (ed) Proc. 7th International Workshop on nitrous oxide emissions, pp 271-279. April 21-23, 1997, Cologne, Maternushaus. Bergische Universität-GH Wuppertal, D 42097 Wuppertal

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumanski J, Eswaran H& Latham M (1991) Aproposal for an international framework for evaluating sustainable land management. In: Dumanski J et al. (ed) Evaluation for Sustainable Land Management in the Developing World. Vol. 2, pp 25-49. Technical papers Proc. Conf. 12, Bangkok, Thailand. 15-21 Sept. 1991. Int. Board Soil Res. Manage. (IBSRAM), Bangkok

    Google Scholar 

  • Duxbury JM (1994) The significance of agricultural sources of greenhouse gases. Fert Res 38: 151-163

    Google Scholar 

  • Elzen den M, Beusen A & Rotmans J (1995) Modelling global biogeochemical cycles. RIVM Globo Report Series no. 7., pp 104. Bilthoven (1995), the Netherlands

  • Ernährungsberichte (1988 and 1992) Ed.: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e.V. im Auftrag des Bundesministers für Jugend, Familie, Frauen und Gesundheit sowie des Bundesministers für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, pp 360 and 332. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung Frankfurt/M

  • Fertilizing Regulation: Düngeverordnung (1996) Verordnung über die Grundsätze der guten fachlichen Praxis beim Düngen. Der Bundesminister für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, pp 118-121. Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrg. 1996 Teil I, Nr. 6 v. 6. Februar 1996

  • Flessa H & Klemisch M (1997) Nitrous oxide emission from differently managed organic soils of the Donaumoos in Southern Germany. In: Proc. 7th International Workshop on nitrous oxide emissions, pp 413-417. April 21-23, 1997, Cologne, Maternushaus. Wiesen P (Ed.) Bergische Universität-GH Wuppertal, D 42097 Wuppertal

    Google Scholar 

  • Grünhage L, Jäger H J, Freitag K und Hanewald K (1996) Emissionskataster Hessen: Landesweite Abschätzung der Emissionen aus geogenen und nicht gefaßten Quellen (1991-1993), p 100. Ed: Hessische Landesanstalt für Umwelt, Wiesbaden, Heft 184

  • Hamm A (ed) (1991) Studie über Wirkungen und Qualitätsziele von Nährstoffen in Fließgewässern, p 830. Academica Verlag, Sankt Augustin

    Google Scholar 

  • Hornung M, Sutton MA & Wilson RB (1995) Mapping and modelling of critical loads for nitrogen -a workshop report, p 207. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (Edinburgh Research Station) UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K (1990) Share of agriculture in nitrogen and phosphorus emissions into the surface waters of Western Europe against the background of their eutrophication. Fert Res 26: 253-269

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K (1993a) Territorial, continental and global aspects of C, N, P and S emissions from agricultural ecosystems. In: Wollast R, Mackenzie FT & Lei Chou (eds) Interactions of C, N, P and S Biogeochemical Cycles and Global Change, pp 79-121. Springer Verlag Berlin-Heidelberg-New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K (1993b) Anteile der Landwirtschaft an der Emission klimarelvanter Spurengase-ursachenorientierte und hinreichende Lösungsansätze. Mitteilgn Dtsch Bodenkundl Gesellsch 69: 231-238

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K (1994a) Agriculture's share in the emission of trace gases affecting the climate and some cause-oriented proposals for sufficiently reducing this share. Environm Poll 83: 95-111

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K (1994b) Ammoniakemissionen der Landwirtschaft, ihre Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt und ursachenorientierte Lösungsansätze sowie Lösungsaussichten zur hinreichenden Minderung. In: Enquete-Kommission "schutz der Erdatmosphäre' (Hrsg.) p 250. Studienprogramm Landwirtschaft, Economia-Verlag, Bonn, Band 1 Landwirtschaft, Teilband I, Studie E

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K & Isermann R (1995a) Tolerierbare Emissionen des Stickstoffs einer nachhaltigen Landwirtschaft, ausgerichtet an den kritischen Eintragsraten der naturnahen Ökosysteme. Mitteilgn. Dtsch. Bodenkundl. Gesellschaft 76: 547-550

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K & Isermann R (1995b) Ausgangssituation, hinreichend Merkmale und Lösungsansätze sowie Lösungsaussichten einer nachhaltigen Tierproduktion unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Grünlandwirtschaft, pp 635-638. VDLUFA Schriftenreihe 40, Kongreßband 1995 (Garmisch-Partenkirchen)

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K & Isermann R (1996a) Globale, territoriale, regionale und betriebliche (Nähr)Stoffbilanzierung als Grundlage ursachenorientierter und hinreichender Lösungsansätze zur Umsetzung einer nachhaltigen Landnutzung. Workshop des österr. Umweltbundesamtes (Wien) am 20. bis 21. Juni 1996 in Wien zur Thematik: "stoffbilanzierung in der Landwirtschaft: betrieblich, regional und national'. In: Proc.: Umweltbundesamt, pp 241-313. (ed) Spittelauer Lände 5, A 1090 Wien (1997)

  • Isermann K & Isermann R (1996b) Anforderungen, Ausgangssituation, Lösungsansätze und Aussichten für eine nachhaltige Landnutzung aus der Sicht des Nährstoffhaushaltes. Mittl der Dtsch Bodenkundl Gesell 80: 241-244

    Google Scholar 

  • Isermann K und Isermann R (1996c) Tolerierbare Nährstoffsalden der Landwirtschaft ausgerichtet an den kritischen Eintragsraten und-konzentrationen der naturnahen Ökosysteme. Fachtagung am 11. und 12. Juli 1996 in Wittenberg zur Thematik: 'Umweltverträgliche Pflanzenproduktion' In: Proc.: Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, pp 127-158. (ed) An der Bornau 2, 49090 Osnabrück (1997)

  • Kroeze C (1994) Nitrous oxide and global warming. The Science of the Total Environment 143:193-209

    Google Scholar 

  • Linn A, Benckiser G & Ottow JCG (1995 und 1997) In situ N2O-Emissionen und gelöste N2O-Anteile einer Nitrifikaions-/Denitrifikationsanlage. 1. (1995) VDLUFA-Schriftenreihe 40, (Kongreßband Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1995): 595-626. 2.(1997) pp 20-24. Wasser und Boden 1

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer K, Höper H & Blankenburg J (1997) Influence of different rewetting levels on the emission of nitrous oxide from a fen soil in Northwest Germany. In: Wiesen P (ed) Proc. 7th International Workshop on nitrous oxide emissions, pp 321-326. April 21–23, 1997, Cologne, Maternushaus. Bergische Universität-GH Wuppertal, D 42097 Wuppertal

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosier A, Kroeze C, Nevison C, Oenema O, Seitzinger S & van Cleemput O (1997) Closing the globale atmospheric N2O budget Nitrous oxide emissions through the agricultural nitrogen cycle.Nitrate-Directive (EC / EU): International Workshop of dissipation of N from the human N cycle, and its role in present and future N2O emissions to the Atmosphere, p 4. Oslo, 22-25 May 1997, University of Norway. Working Papers

  • Nitratrichtlinie der EG (1991) Richtlinie des Rates vom 12. Dezember 1991 zum Schutz der Gewässer vor Verunreinigung durch Nitrat aus landwirtschaftlichen Quellen. Amtsblatt der Europäischen Gemeinschaften Nr. L375/1 vom 31.12.91

  • Sauerbeck D & Isermann K (1994) Herkunft und Strategien zur Verminderung der Emission von klimarelevanten Spurengasen im Bereich Land-und Forstwirtschaft, pp 229-255. IWW-Schriften reihe, Mühlheim/Ruhr

    Google Scholar 

  • Smit B & Smithers J (1994) Sustainable agriculture: interpretations, analyses and prospects. Can Reg Sci 44: 186-198

    Google Scholar 

  • Sümmer E, Weiske A, Benckiser G & Ottow JCG (1995) Influence of environmental con ditions on the amount of N2O released from activated sludge in a domestic waste water treatment plant. Experientia 51: 419-422

    Google Scholar 

  • Umweltbundesamt (1995) Jahresbericht 1994, p 240. ed: Umweltbundesamt, P.O. Box 330022, D-14191 Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Voet van der, Kleijn R & Haes de U (1994 and 1996) Nitrogen pollution in the European Union-Origins, impacts, expectations and indications for possible solutions. Papers for the preparation of the mm-ARS Workshop, TU Wien/AWS, April 24-28,1-36, 1994. Published (1996) in: Environmental Conservation 23 (2): 120-132

    Google Scholar 

  • WCED (World Commission on Environment and Development and Brundtland-Report) (1987) Our Common Future, p 383. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Wigger H (1990) Bedarf und Produktion tierischer Lebensmittel in der Europäischen Gemein-schaft. Schriftenreihe der Akademie für Tiergesundheit (Bonn) 1: 82-117

    Google Scholar 

  • Yunlong C & Smit B (1994) Sustainability in agriculture: a general view. Agriculture, Ecosystems Environ 49: 299-307

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang WL, Tian ZX, Zhang N & Li XQ (1996) Nitrate pollution of groundwater in northern China. Agriculture, Ecosystems Environ 59: 223-231

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. K. Isermann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. Isermann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Isermann, K., Isermann, R. Food production and consumption in Germany: N flows and N emissions. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 52, 289–301 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009706001900

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009706001900

Search

Navigation