2020: Hotspots of Nitrogen Loss in River Basins (EDF)
Researchers will examine nitrogen runoff in the watersheds of both the Upper Mississippi River Basin and the Chesapeake Bay. Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for agricultural production, but nitrogen runoff from agricultural systems creates an array of environmental problems. The researchers hope to identify hotspots of nitrogen loss, which are disproportionally contributing to water quality problems. By mapping the distribution of these hotspots, the researchers will be able to pinpoint areas where improvements to agricultural management can deliver the greatest environmental benefit.
Cornell Investigator: Robert Howarth, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
EDF Investigator: Eileen McLellan, Lead Sr. Scientist; Alison Eagle, Sustainable Agriculture Program Scientist