Determination and ranking of target areas in catchments for the implementation of nitrogen reduction measures

Abstract. The implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (EU-WFD) forms the background of the WAgriCo-project (Water Resources Management in Cooperation with Agriculture). WagriCo concentrates on the development of nitrogen management options adapted to hydrological and agro-economic site conditions and at demonstrating new participation approaches and technologies suitable for setting-up programmes of measures. The article outlines the conceptual model approach and its application in the pilot region "Große Aue" (Northern Germany). Furthermore the process of delineating priority areas is described, which act as spatial targets for the adaptation of regionally differentiated nutrient reduction measures.