Carbon Nitrogen Phosphorus Flows in European Farming Systems

This report maps carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (CNP) flows and their stoichiometry across ten baseline farming scenarios in six European geoclimatic regions, using field-scale models (Daisy and SWAP/ANIMO) and the MITERRA-Europe model for regional and national assessments. It evaluates nutrient balances, environmental emissions—such as N2O, NH3, NO3–, and P leaching—across dairy, pig, and arable systems, with validation against field data. Results show significant variability in emission intensities, particularly in livestock-dense areas, and highlight model differences in denitrification and leaching predictions. The study establishes a benchmark for assessing 45 innovative nutrient cycling solutions, including anaerobic digestion, nutrient recovery, and precision fertilisation, using life cycle assessment. Limitations include insufficient data for orchards, vineyards, and poultry systems. The integration of field and large-scale models enables consistent evaluation of environmental performance across scales.