Nitrogen footprints

N is one of essential element of life on earth, but it contributes in its reactive form to the global environmental problems that are already larger than our earth is able to cope with, and it expected further aggravate (Galloway and Leach, 2016) driven by the increasing demand of food products fuelled by growth of human population, rising incomes and urbanization. The quantification of N footprints at production level can support decision and policy making in the economy, by raising awareness of different stakeholders such as farmers, industrial actors, businesses, governments and scientists on the global threats of anthropogenic activities. These stakeholders have responsibility to reduce the environmental pressures by continuous improvement of the production system through technology and innovation. N footprint is also a tool to inform consumers on the impact of their lifestyle choices on the N pollution, which is essential to share the responsibility in protecting the planet. Raising awareness to all stakeholders and consumers at all levels will help to reduce the N footprint.