The RIVM expects nitrogen deposition to decline more sharply in the coming years than previously anticipated. This is mainly due to measures affecting emissions from agriculture and traffic. However, in many vulnerable nature areas, nitrogen deposition remains higher than the critical deposition value. This value indicates how much nitrogen nature can handle before damage occurs and rare plants may disappear. The chance of achieving the legal goals with the current policy is very slim. This is evident from the Nitrogen Deposition Monitor in Natura 2000 areas 2025.
Many nature areas in the Netherlands are struggling. This is partly due to the deposition of nitrogen. Too much nitrogen is harmful to certain types of nature. The Dutch government has legally stipulated the area of nature for which nitrogen deposition must remain below the critical deposition value (KDW) in the coming years. The goals are: 40 percent in 2025, 50 percent in 2030, and 74 percent in 2035.
To achieve the goals, nitrogen deposition must be reduced. The RIVM investigates every year how nitrogen deposition develops and whether the legal goals are being met.
Decline in Nitrogen Deposition 2005-2023 Mainly Due to Abroad
Nitrogen deposition decreased between 2005 and 2023. This decline is mainly due to our neighboring countries emitting less nitrogen. Emissions from agriculture and traffic in the Netherlands are also decreasing. The surplus of nitrogen in vulnerable nature (the amount above the KDW) has thus decreased by more than half. This means that for a larger part of vulnerable nature, the amount of nitrogen is approaching the KDW but still remains above it. In 2023, deposition on 30 percent of the nature area was below the KDW.
Nitrogen Deposition Will Decline More Sharply
The RIVM calculated that nitrogen deposition will decline more sharply than previously expected in the coming years. This is mainly due to additional measures for the agriculture and traffic sectors. For agriculture, Dutch companies are allowed to use less manure on the land. There are also new buyout schemes. For traffic, for example, the expected growth in the number of electric vehicles is larger.
Goals with Current Policy Out of Reach
As nitrogen deposition decreases, a larger area of vulnerable nature comes under the KDW. In 2025, this is expected to be 30 percent. In 2030, this will be between 32 and 34 percent, and in 2035 between 33 and 39 percent. In many vulnerable nature areas, nitrogen deposition remains higher than the KDW. Despite the additional measures, the chance of achieving the legal goals with the current policy is very slim.
Improvements in Calculation Method
The RIVM continuously improves the calculation method based on new scientific knowledge. Intensive research has been conducted on the modeling of deposition in coastal areas. The deposition is now determined based on more measurements and takes into account the changing climate. The results thus better align with the actual situation.
