Towards Smarter Nitrogen Management in Europe
Nitrogen (N) is essential for growing healthy crops. Yet, only 30 – 50% of the nitrogen applied through fertilizers is absorbed by plants. The rest is lost to the environment, leaching into groundwater or escaping into the atmosphere as nitrous oxide (N₂O), a powerful and long-lasting greenhouse gas. These losses not only threaten our ecosystems and climate, but also highlight the urgent need to improve how nitrogen is managed across European agricultural landscapes.
What is NitroScope?
NitroScope is a research project uniting scientists, land managers, industries, and policy makers to monitor, model, and manage nitrogen more sustainably. By deploying advanced sensing technologies at 100 sites spread over 8 different European pedo-climatic regions, the project will gather real-time data on nitrate levels and N₂O emissions. This data will feed into a central, cloud-based platform, enabling the development of region-specific emission factors and decision support tools to reduce uncertainty and guide more efficient nitrogen use.
NitroScope Impact
NitroScope aims to translate science into practice. It will assess and promote practical solutions like variable rate fertilization and crop residue management. With two farm management add-ons and a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, NitroScope will empower land managers to actively participate in nitrogen monitoring and mitigation efforts. Ultimately, the project will contribute to more accurate nitrogen budgets and scenario planning at EU level, paving the way for a future of healthier soils, resilient agriculture, and cleaner water and air.
Join us on this Mission
NitroScope is part of the EU’s Soil Mission and contributes to the ambition of a Soil Deal for Europe.
The project website is coming soon.
PARTNERS
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
