The contribution of fertiliser nitrogen to leachable nitrogen in the UK: A review

Evidence relating to nitrate leaching was taken from series of extensive field experiments conducted to support guidance on fertiliser use. Over the last 50 years, it is estimated that increased fertiliser N use on intensive wheat in the UK, has resulted in an increase of 36 kg N ha−1 year−1 leachable nitrate. Probably more than one‐third of this change is due to larger yields resulting in a gradual build up in soil organic matter, the remainder to annual effects of fertiliser application. This justifies the association generally made between fertiliser used and nitrate leached and supports the value of some control of fertiliser use in order to restrict nitrate concentrations in drinking water.