Metrics for evaluating the ecological benefits of decreased nitrogen deposition

Rowe, E.C.; Jones, L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4379-9006; Dise, N.B.; Evans, C.D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7052-354X; Mills, G.; Hall, J.; Stevens, C.J.; Mitchell, R.J.; Field, C.; Caporn, S.J.M.; Helliwell, R.C.; Britton, A.J.; Sutton, M.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6263-6341; Payne, R.J.; Vieno, M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7741-9377; Dore, A.J.; Emmett, B.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2713-4389. 2017 Metrics for evaluating the ecological benefits of decreased nitrogen deposition. Biological Conservation, 212 (B). 454-463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2016.11.022

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2016.11.022

Abstract/Summary

Atmospheric pollution by reactive nitrogen (N) can have profound effects on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Numerous mechanisms are involved, and response times vary among habitats and species. This complex picture can make it difficult to convey the benefits of controlling N pollution to policy developers and the public. In this study we evaluate pressure, midpoint, and endpoint metrics for N pollution, considering those currently in use and proposing some improved metrics. Pressure metrics that use the concept of a critical load (CL) are useful, and we propose a new integrated measure of cumulative exposure above the CL that allows for different response times in different habitats. Biodiversity endpoint metrics depend greatly on societal values and priorities and so are inevitably somewhat subjective. Species richness is readily understood, but biodiversity metrics based on habitat suitability for particular taxa may better reflect the priorities of nature conservation specialists. Midpoint metrics indicate progress towards desired endpoints – the most promising are those based on empirical evidence. Moss tissue N enrichment is responsive to lower N deposition rates, and we propose a new Moss Enrichment Index (MEI) based on species-specific ranges of tissue N content. At higher N deposition rates, mineral N leaching is an appropriate midpoint indicator. Biogeochemical models can also be used to derive midpoint metrics which illustrate the large variation in potential response times among ecosystem components. Metrics have an important role in encouraging progress towards reducing pollution, and need to be chosen accordingly.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2016.11.022
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Dise Emmett
ISSN:	0006-3207
Additional Keywords:	ammonium, global change, nitrate, nutrient, recovery
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	24 Apr 2017 09:47 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/516913

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2016.11.022

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Dise
Emmett

ISSN:

0006-3207

Additional Keywords:

ammonium, global change, nitrate, nutrient, recovery

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment