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Halving mineral nitrogen use in European agriculture: Insights from multi‐scale land‐use models

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  • Anna Lungarska
  • Thierry Brunelle
  • Raja Chakir
  • Pierre‐Alain Jayet
  • Rémi Prudhomme
  • Stéphane De Cara
  • Jean‐Christophe Bureau

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of a public policy that reduces by 50% the use of mineral nitrogen in European agriculture. Our results show that, for the European Union, halving mineral fertilizer use leads to: a decrease in agricultural production, a substantial increase in nitrogen use efficiency, lower use of organic fertilizer and a loss of agricultural competitiveness. At the global level, it leads to greater nitrogen consumption if no measure is taken on the demand side. Ultimately, our research highlights the critical importance of supply side adjustments, particularly in terms of cropland area expansion.

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  • Anna Lungarska & Thierry Brunelle & Raja Chakir & Pierre‐Alain Jayet & Rémi Prudhomme & Stéphane De Cara & Jean‐Christophe Bureau, 2023. "Halving mineral nitrogen use in European agriculture: Insights from multi‐scale land‐use models," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 45(3), pages 1529-1550, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:45:y:2023:i:3:p:1529-1550
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13391
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    1. Rémi Prudhomme & Raja Chakir & Anna Lungarska & Thierry Brunelle & Narayanappa Devaraju & Nathalie de Noblet & Pierre-Alain Jayet & Stéphane De Cara & Jean-Christophe Bureau, 2022. "Food, climate and biodiversity: a trilemma of mineral nitrogen use in European agriculture," Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies, Springer, vol. 103(3), pages 271-299, September.

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