EuropeAgriDB v1.0: A New Detailed Database to Quantify Nitrogen Budgets
in European Agriculture 1961–2019
Abstract
We present EuropeAgriDB v1.0, a dataset of crop production and nitrogen
(N) flows in European cropland 1961–2019. The dataset covers 26
present-day countries, detailing the cropland N harvests in 17 crop
categories as well as cropland N inputs in synthetic fertilizers,
manure, symbiotic fixation, and atmospheric deposition. The study builds
on established methods but goes beyond previous research by combining
data from FAOSTAT, Eurostat, and a range of national data sources. A key
contribution is the comprehensive and detailed coverage of crop
production, in particular fodder crops such as temporary grassland,
green maize, and forage legumes. For these crops, we have combined the
Eurostat crop production statistics database with a range of national
databases, statistical yearbooks, and other sources. For other arable
and permanent crops, we use the FAOSTAT database which apart from fodder
crops offers the longest and most complete time series of crop
production. Our crop production dataset, divided into 17 crop
categories, provides a solid basis for understanding how crop mix and
productivity have varied over time. A second key contribution is the
detailed estimation of synthetic N fertilizer application to cropland
and permanent grassland. We have assembled a comprehensive dataset based
on a wide range of data sources and devised a rigorous method to process
it. The result, we believe, is to date the most comprehensive and
consistent estimate of the allocation of synthetic N fertilizer between
cropland and permanent grassland in Europe. In summary, EuropeAgriDB
v1.0 is a detailed, complete, and consistent dataset which will be
useful both to understand Europe’s recent agricultural history and to
make informed decisions about its future. This is particularly relevant
in the current context of the EU Farm to Fork strategy, which requires
major reduction in N inputs and surpluses and therefore the best
possible quantification.