reducing the timing of slurr application from winter to spring for example can reduce the risk of nitrate leaching but potentially increase ammonia emissions collins and mcgonigle more attention to a holistic approach to nitrogen mitigation on farms is necessary supported by adequate research of the issue european commission godlinski et al this may in part be due to the perceived high costs by farmers of implementing nitrogen abatement management practices oenema et al but also the lack of awareness of many farmers to the links between their farming activities and water quality