Beyond nitrogen critical loads – is there a role for the ‘Ecosystem Services’ approach?

Hicks, W.K.; Sutton, M.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6263-6341; Bealey, W.J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3708-5864; Ashmore, M.R.. 2011 Beyond nitrogen critical loads – is there a role for the ‘Ecosystem Services’ approach? In: Hicks, W.K.; Whitfield, C.P.; Bealey, W.J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3708-5864; Sutton, M.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6263-6341, (eds.) Nitrogen deposition and Natura 2000: Science and practice in determining environmental impacts. COST Office - European Cooperation in Science and Technology, 286-293.

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Abstract/Summary

This paper considers the extent to which indicators of critical load exceedance capture the potential impacts of changes in nitrogen deposition on ecosystem services. It shows that there are significant links between nitrogen deposition and a large range of ecosystem services. There is potential for indicators to be adapted to provide more specific qualitative information for Natura 2000 sites of the implications of critical load exceedance for ecosystem services. For the provision of ecosystems goods (e.g. food, fuel, fibre) and water quality and erosion regulation, it is likely that quite specific information can be provided on the effects of nitrogen deposition. For others, such as pollination and cultural services, the implications for ecosystem services are likely to depend on the specific changes in species composition that are found in specific habitats and sites. The issue of climate regulation has been identified as a critical ecosystem service, but this effect is not currently considered explicitly in setting critical loads, and given the complexity of the potential effects of nitrogen deposition on different greenhouse gas fluxes, it seems impractical to include this in any simple assessment of effects of critical load exceedance. There are ecosystem services where exceedance of the established empirical critical load for nitrogen input can be a positive outcome, for example, increases in more nitrophilous species increasing productivity in certain grassland types and increased grass growth stabilising coastal dunes, and hence enhancing erosion regulation. An ecosystems approach would therefore have value in informing the prioritization of conservation management practices in areas with high nitrogen deposition, depending on the ecosystem service that is most valued at any particular site. However, given that the cause and effect relationships underlying important ecosystem services are often complex and not sufficiently understood, more data and research is needed to provide specific guidance on potential conservation priorities.

Item Type:	Publication - Book Section
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Billett (to November 2013)
ISBN:	9789186125233
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	This chapter is number 7.9 in the book. Access to full text is available by clicking on the OFFICIAL URL link
Date made live:	24 Jan 2012 12:15 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/16306

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