Acidifying emissions in the agricultural sector

What do we see?

The graphs below show the evolution of the potentially acidifying emissions generated by the Flemish agricultural sector, and where they come from. Between 2000 and 2008, a clear decrease in the amount of acidifying emissions could be seen. This was mainly due to a reduction in the amount of ammonia emissions. However, since then, the values have remained at the same level.Accounting for 90%, ammonia (NH₃) is the main cause of the acidifying emissions from the agricultural sector. In 2018, the sector was even responsible for no less than 95% of the NH₃ emissions, 86% of which came from animal manure. 

What’s the aim?

In a circular model, we want to keep the material cycle as closed as possible in order to limit the need for new materials and to avoid environmental damage caused by unwanted leaks. However, emissions like ammonia (NH₃), nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) lead to acidification of the environment and affect ecosystems. In 2019, the critical acidification threshold was crossed in 17% of the Flanders region. Therefore, we must aim for a further reduction in these acidifying emissions. 

What does this indicator measure?

This indicator shows the amount of acidifying emissions coming from primary production. The emissions are quantified according to the types of acidifying emissions and their source. The potential effect of these emissions is calculated by converting the acidity level of each pollutant into an acid equivalent (ae).