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Whenua considerations

Current state vs freshwater objectives: Nitrogen

  • Adding excess nitrogen to natural aquatic environments can have detrimental effects. Detrimental effects include impairing animal survival, growth, reproduction, and excessive plant growth.

    The dataset - what is it?

    View details on the minimal standard required in various water bodies, set by government policy. In respect to these policies see the current degree of compliance. You can view the total nitrogen load (TN) and exceeding the maximum allowable load (MAL) on a map of New Zealand.

    Why it's important

    Freshwater policy sets maximum allowable loads for nitrogen in catchments. While policy and associated limits may change over time, it is generally accepted that many regions across Aotearoa are currently operating in excess of the maximum allowable load. A 2023 national study found that catchments covering 20% of New Zealand’s land area need to reduce their total nitrogen load. Therefore, either changes in land use or land management practice are required in order to bring total nitrogen loads down.

    • How to use this information safely

      • Fitness for purpose / limitations

        This table indicates whether the dataset is suitable for different types of questions at different scales.

        Note: Users should carefully consider their purpose as this dataset may not be suitable.

         

        Operational

        Absolute

        Relative

        Screening/scoping

        Block/farm

        No

        No

        No

        No

        Multi-farms(5+)

        No

        No

        No

        No

        Catchment

        Maybe

        Maybe

        Maybe

        Maybe

        National/regional

        Yes

        Yes

        Yes

        Yes

        Caveats

        The study has used all the available data. Therefore, it would be difficult in most catchments to improve on the analysis. However, because the models were all national in extent, there may be a degree of model bias when the results are applied at fine scales.

        How to interpret this table (opens in a new tab)

Read more about...
Current state vs freshwater objectives: Nutrients [Nitrogen and Phosphorus] - Datasets Agresearch - Total nitrogen excess and reduction potential Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) Quantifying excess nitrogen loads in fresh water (PDF)
  • Please note:

    You can use this information to help form an understanding of the nitrogen pressures within your region and your catchment. This may help you when assessing land use options in the context of kaitiaki responsibilities.

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