The INI North American Regional Nitrogen Center: 2011–2015 nitrogen activities in North America

The North American Nitrogen Center (NANC) carries out three main charges: (1) conducting assessments on nitrogen (N) flows within North America and the consequences for human health, water resources, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions; (2) facilitating efforts to develop solutions to the problem of excess nitrogen in agricultural, institutional, and natural resource management sectors; and (3) presenting these results to policy makers. There are formidable challenges in reducing N loss from all parts of the North American food production and supply chain, including altering consumer behavior. The NANC is working with producers, trade groups, universities, and supply chains to develop effective practices for minimizing loss of reactive nitrogen (N_r) to the environment. The NANC is also helping public land management and regulatory agencies prepare effective policy approaches toward minimizing ecological damage from atmospheric N_r deposition.