Nitrate status of two major rivers in N. E. Scotland with respect to land use and fertiliser additions

Land Use and the influence it has upon river water nitrate levels is discussed, for two large relatively unpopulated river systems in the N.E. of Scotland. The catchment areas for the rivers Dee and Don have been further subdivided into a number of sub catchments. Substantial differences in land use and agricultural potential exist both within and between the two areas. Greater agricultural production down stream is associated with increased river nitrate concentrations.