RECENT TREND OF N FLOW ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN JAPAN AND MITIGATION PLAN

摘要

In this study, we reviewed N flows and environmental load potential N on farmland in Japan from 1980 to 1997 and tested a plan for mitigating environmental load N on a regional scale. Environmental load N peaked in 1985, then decreased following the reduction of chemical fertilizer input. Although this trend might be preferable, crop production and rate of livestock waste use also decreased. Increased use of livestock waste and maintaining and increasing crop production will be needed in future. Environmental load N was different in regions in Japan. Mitigation of high environmental load N in some region might be possible if appropriate technologies were incorporated.