Nitrogen Decision Framework

A collection of spreadsheets used for the Nitrogen Decision Framework as described in JNCC Report 579. The Decision Framework was developed to provide a means of attributing nitrogen deposition as a threat to, or cause of, unfavourable habitat condition on protected sites. The Framework incorporates both national/theoretical information (from a Factor 1 score) and site based information (Factor 2 score). A final assessment matrix combines the outcomes of Factor 1 and Factor 2 scores to produce an overall assessment of whether N deposition is likely to be a threat to or cause of unfavourable habitat condition, either currently and/or in the future. The spreadsheets should be used in conjunction with JNCC Report 579 which includes instructions for their use. The spreadsheets include:

• Factor 1 spreadsheet - use this to calculate the Factor 1 Score - instructions are provided on the first sheet.
• Factor 2 spreadsheets - a series of spreadsheets to derive a Factor 2 Score for different habitat types. The name of the spreadsheet is based on the habitat it covers. Instructions are provided for each spreadsheet.
• Final matrix Document - this is a Word Document including a copy of the final matrix. Users should refer to JNCC Report 579 ("A decision framework to attribute atmospheric nitrogen deposition as a threat to or cause of unfavourable habitat condition on protected sites") for further explanation.