Too Many Cows? An exploration of relationships between livestock density and river water quality in Aotearoa New Zealand
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Intensive cattle farming is a major driver of freshwater pollution in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet research on the link between cattle intensity and river water quality is limited. This exploratory study investigated relationships between livestock intensity and freshwater indicators – nitrates and macroinvertebrates. We found that higher dairy stocking rates and total cattle numbers are linked to increased nitrate pollution at regional and district levels, with no significant correlations for beef cattle or MCI (macroinvertebrate community index) scores. Our findings underscore an urgent need for further research, particularly at the catchment level, to inform farm management plans and freshwater policy.
Source: Policy Quarterly
Authors: Emily Carr, Shelley Stevens, Thomas Kay, Mike Joy
Institution: Victoria University of Wellington
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Chemistry
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4404662861