Rate of nutrient (nitrogen or phosphorus) application in soil or, where possible, nutrient discharge to freshwater systems

Unit

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: Kilograms per month (kg/month), Kilograms per year (kg/year)

Indicator

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: Pollutants released to environment

Metric type

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: Pressure

Framework alignment notes

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SBTN: Rate of nutrient (nitrogen or phosphorus) application in soil or, where possible, nutrient discharge to freshwater systems
ISO 14046 - data describing water quality (including for water withdrawal, release and water receiving body) emissions to air, water and soil that impact water quality

Target example
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[Company name] will reduce its rate of nutrient application to soil in [basin] by [target percentage]% by [target year], compared with a baseline of [baseline percentage]% in [baseline year]. They will also reduce nutrient discharge to freshwater systems in [basin] by [target percentage]% by [target year], compared with a baseline of [baseline percentage]% in [baseline year].

Target source: WBCSD target template

Metric assessment

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Relevance: Medium

Feasibility: Medium

Additional Metric Notes
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ACT-D stage
Assess

Maturity stage
Developing

Metric Contribution to Action
Measuring nutrient applications and discharges reduces the risk of water pollution from nutrient runoff.

Observations, Successes and Challenges

  • Requires on-site monitoring and modeling of runoff impacts.
  • A safe application rate in one region may be excessive in another, depending on soil type and climate.
  • Doesn’t differentiate between synthetic and organic sources
  • May not account for cumulative impacts

Related actions

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Prevent pollution or contamination of water bodies

Prevent pollution or contamination of water bodies

Description