This Special issue of AFS compiles major scientific contributions of the XVI International Silage Conference held 2-4 July 2012 in Hämeenlinna, Finland. Nordic perspectives of silage research as well as silage microbiology, food safety, animal performance and environmental issues related to silage feeding are specifically under focus. In addition to six review articles this issue contains a number of research articles from major fields of silage science and technology. We hope that this Special issue will be a tool and an inspiration for further progress in this field of research in future.

This special issue of AFS gathers current Finnish research on novel methods for reducing agricultural nutrient losses to water bodies. We hope that the special issue will succeed in triggering scientific interest on the development, needs, application, limitations and mechanisms of new methods directed towards phosphorus and nitrogen mitigation from the areas responsible for the highest environmental risks. Ideally, adaptation of such measures, together with traditional water protection, would speed up the recovery of waters and allow better recycling of nutrients in the agricultural system.