> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.greenzero.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Eutrophication, Terrestrial (PEF)

> Terrestrial eutrophication impact category in the PEF methodology

<Warning>Only included when using the **Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)** approach.</Warning>

## Definition

This category measures nutrient enrichment of soils leading to ecosystem disturbances. It is expressed in **mol N eq**.

## Environmental Mechanism

Deposition of airborne nitrogen compounds from agriculture and combustion sources can alter plant communities and soil chemistry.

## Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

1. Quantify emissions of ammonia and nitrogen oxides to air.
2. Apply ILCD characterization factors (mol N eq).
3. Sum across the life cycle.

<Info>
  **About ReCiPe 2016**

  ReCiPe 2016 is a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method that provides characterization factors for converting inventory data into environmental impact indicators. It is not a methodology itself, but rather a comprehensive database of impact assessment factors developed by Dutch research institutes.

  The method provides characterization factors that translate emissions and resource use into standardized impact units (e.g., kg CO₂ eq. for climate change, kg SO₂ eq. for acidification). GREENZERO Journey follows ISO 14040/44 methodological standards while using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors for impact calculations.

  ReCiPe 2016 aggregates terrestrial eutrophication within Acidification, so this category is unique
  to PEF.
</Info>

## Environmental Cost Conversion

No CE Delft cost factor is available yet. Results remain in mol N eq.

## Example Calculation

```
Impact = 0.3 mol N eq
```

## Interpretation

High values indicate substantial nitrogen emissions contributing to soil nutrient imbalance.

## Reduction Strategies

* Optimize fertilizer use
* Reduce NOx emissions from combustion

## Data Quality Considerations

* Regional deposition models affect results

## Related Impact Categories

* Acidification Potential