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Measures to reduce diffuse nutrient pollution.

EU action on curbing diffuse nutrient pollution has a long history[10]^{, [11]}. Measures taken in the last decades have resulted in a reduction of mineral fertilizer used and nutrient surpluses of agricultural origin have progressively decreased in the EU (Figure 6.7). Between 2000 and 2013, agricultural nitrogen surplus decreased by 7 % in the EU, while phosphorus surplus have decreased by 50 %[12].

Nevertheless, the overall level of fertilization remains high in parts of Europe. Large variations in the nitrogen and phosphorus surplus exist between Member States[13] and, on average fertiliser use has started increasing again in the last years.

Nutrient balances at river basin level are now used in several countries in order to define nutrient load reduction targets to support the achievement of WFD objectives. Member States have taken measures at the national level or at the level of the river basin (e.g. general binding rules, taxes, manure surplus management), while other measures are more local (e.g. protection of specific drinking water areas).

Some Member States have also focused action in “priority catchments” at higher risk of nutrient enrichment. These catchments tend to receive a greater level of awareness-raising campaigns and investments.

Figure 6.7: Trend in fertiliser use and nutrient surplus.

Note: Only long-term trend is available for the EU15 Member States (mention MS), except for N-fertiliser use, however EU15 accounts for the majority of fertiliser use (80 %) in the EU28.

Source : Eurostat http ://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-datasets/-/AEI_FM_USEFERT & http ://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-datasets/-/AEI_PR_GNB