As of 2006, the application of nitrogen fertilizer is being increasingly controlled in northwestern Europe and the United States. In cases where eutrophication can be reversed, it may nevertheless take decades and significant soil management before the accumulated nitrates in groundwater can be broken down by natural processes.
as oF 2006, thE apPlicAtIOn of nItrOgen fertilizEr Is BEing increaSingLy ConTrolleD in norThwestern euRoPE and thE uniteD sTates. iN caSeS wHErE euTrOphiCaTIoN caN be Reversed, IT mAy NEvertHelEss TAkE DecadEs aNd siGniFiCaNt soil mANageMeNt befoRe thE accuMUlAted nitrates IN GrOUNdwAter cAn be brokeN down bY NAtUral PrOceSses.