The nitrogen cycle is an essential process in nature, but human activities, particularly agriculture, have increased the input of reactive nitrogen into the environment, thereby disrupting the natural nitrogen cycle and causing environmental issues. Agriculture is the dominant source of nitrogen pollution in Europe, resulting in eutrophication, acidification, and greenhouse gas emissions. This mapping project analyses the critical nitrogen landscapes in the Northwestern Europe from the Pollution Transfer Register and the Soil Database.

In Northwestern Europe, intensive agricultural practices have resulted in high concentrations of reactive nitrogen, causing severe environmental and public health issues. Netherlands and the Eurodelta have struggled to mitigate the effects of nitrogen pollution while maintaining agricultural productivity. The Eurodelta region is distinguished by its high population density, intensive agriculture, and industrial activities, all of which contribute to elevated nitrogen emissions. Due to its dense population, intensive livestock husbandry, and extensive use of nitrogenbased fertilisers, the Eurodelta is a hotspot for nitrogen pollution leading to the current socio-ecological-political crisis.