Which can cause an increase in nitrogen.

It’s actually the wrong word, the nitrogen problem. Because, as environmentalist Viger Wamelink writes in his book Nitrogen NetworkNitrogen has many forms. Nitrogen itself, as a molecule, is written with the symbol N.₂is a “non-problem” gas – our atmosphere is made up of 78 percent of it. They are nitrogen.communicationSuch as nitrogen oxides and ammonia, which cause harm to humans and nature, and which caused the crisis that the Netherlands has been experiencing since 2019. So talking about a “nitrogen problem” is “factually incorrect.”

It is signed by Wamelink, who works at Wageningen University and Research. He is a scientist who likes to formulate things precisely. His book is not the first on the subject. It was published three years ago. nitrogenWritten by a group of scholars – and Wamelink was not one of them. It attracted a lot of attention. nitrogen trap By journalist Arnot Jaspers, who appeared last year and was discussed in this newspaper. Then there is get out of shit (Also from 2023) by journalist Thomas Udmann, who correspondent He writes.

Each book has its own design and tone. Both journalists deliver a very clear message. Jaspers finds it unacceptable that society and economy are held hostage by nature’s regulations and calls, among other things, for the legally protected areas of Natura 2000 to be abolished. Udman thinks the opposite. Agriculture must operate within ecological limits. He advocates a radically different, more sustainable agriculture.

The scientists’ book is rich in information mainly about nitrogen, about measuring ammonia deposition, about the origins of the crisis, and about possible solutions. Wamelink’s book also follows this line. It wants primarily to inform. But it is true nitrogen Covering a wide range of topics surrounding the nitrogen crisis (science, legislation, and policy), Wamelink mainly focuses on ecology. He writes about the composition of nitrogen, what it means for plants and animals, what excess nitrogen can do, biodiversity, and why it is important. He also discusses other trends that have damaged Dutch nature: drought, fragmentation, and recreation.

Curiously, at the end, in the chapter on the latest ideas, he writes about a “recent” study by Wageningen University and Research. This is a study he himself conducted, but he does not mention his name. Why not? Shouldn’t the reader know?

Wamelink’s writing style is more flexible and more cheerful than that of the scientists who work on it. nitrogen Contributed. It also seems as though Wamelink is targeting a younger audience. Then, as an author, the question is always what do you assume the reader is familiar with, and how much you do and don’t explain. With a few exceptions, Wamelink does this well.

What also makes the book even more delightful are the many colourful and playful illustrations. And the fact that Wamelink eventually takes on the role of the Gentian Bell. In this way, he explains why he no longer likes his place at Wooldse Veen. And why he hopes things will eventually get better – because “…in the future I may have less and less nitrogen falling on me.”