Global Nitrogen Enrichment (GANE)
Reports and key findings
The Global Nitrogen Enrichment programme involved over 130 scientists working in multi-disciplinary teams from many institutions, in the UK and abroad.
In February 2005, the programme held an event to showcase its results. The research is relevant to a wide audience, including central and local government, conservation agencies, biological research, agriculture and industry.
The presentations made at the meeting are available as PDF files:
Perturbation of the Global Nitrogen Cycle, the NERC GANE Programme in context (866KB) Prof Sir John Lawton FRS ( then NERC Chief Executive)Perturbation of the Global Nitrogen Cycle: the NERC GANE Programme in context (866KB), Prof Sir John Lawton FRS ( then NERC Chief Executive)
A chronology of nitrogen emissions and deposition in the UK through the 20th Century (1.52MB) Prof David Fowler FRS (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh)A chronology of nitrogen emissions and deposition in the UK through the 20th Century (1.52MB), Prof David Fowler FRS (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh
What did GANE tell us about the effects of nitrogen deposition on soils? (2.9MB) Prof Malcolm Cresser (University of York)What did GANE tell us about the effects of nitrogen deposition on soils? (2.9MB), Prof Malcolm Cresser (University of York)
Consequences of nitrogen enrichment for rivers and lakes (3.5MB) Dr Bridget Emmett (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bangor)Consequences of nitrogen enrichment for rivers and lakes (3.5MB), Dr Bridget Emmett (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bangor)
Does deposited nitrogen alter biodiversity? (2.09MB), Prof Mike Ashmore (University of York)Does deposited nitrogen alter biodiversity? (2.09MB), Prof Mike Ashmore (University of York)
Markers and indicators of nitrogen enrichment (1.93MB) Dr Peter Crittenden (University of Nottingham)Markers and indicators of nitrogen enrichment (1.93MB) Dr Peter Crittenden (University of Nottingham)
UK emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (1.33MB), Dr Ute Skiba (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh)UK emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (1.33MB), Dr Ute Skiba (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh
The costs and benefits of nitrogen enrichment (1.12MB), Prof Jules Pretty (University of Essex)The costs and benefits of nitrogen enrichment (1.12MB), Prof Jules Pretty (University of Essex)
The GANE Programme - a stakeholders perspective (203KB), Dr Peter Costigan (Defra)The GANE Programme - a stakeholders perspective (203KB), Dr Peter Costigan (Defra)
Case studies
The following case studies are linked to this research programme. Full details of each case study are available from NERC's Science Impacts Database.
Unexpectedly high levels of carbon 14 from human activity found in North Sea estuaries Synopsis: Carbon 14 leaked from power stations and industry is entering marine food chains and has a wider and longer-lived footprint than previously thought.
Finding the most efficient and cost effective way of tackling local nitrogen pollution Synopsis: Modelling interactions between measures to address different nitrogen pollutants at a landscape scale can reveal the most effective measures to take, helping meet national and international policy commitments.
Water industry benefits from fluorescence studies Synopsis: Fluoronet is a NERC Knowledge Transfer Network on fluorescence for the water sciences. It helps ensure water regulators and utilities benefit from the latest research in water fluorescence.
NERC's Global Nitrogen Enrichment (GANE) programme is worth £7-48 million to Britain's economy Synopsis: Policy changes influenced by NERC's Global Nitrogen Enrichment programme will bring between £7m and £48m of benefits to the UK economy.
Research into nitrogen deposits in UK uplands helps policymakers assess its ecological impact Synopsis: Research helps assess critical loads for nitrogen pollution in sensitive grassland ecosystems, and shows which upland waters are most likely to become polluted.
Study shows UK nitrogen emissions and depositions between 1900 and 2000 Synopsis: A 100-year record reveals the national and international fate of UK nitrogen emissions. Peak depositions have recently shifted from urban to rural areas, remote from major sources.
About the programme