Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Nitrogen use efficiency and nitrous oxide emissions from five UK fertilised grasslands

L. M. Cardenas, A. Bhogal, David R. Chadwick, Karen McGeough, T. H. Misselbrook, Robert M. Rees, R. E. Thorman, Catherine J. Watson, J. R. Williams, Keith A. Smith, S. Calvet

The Science of The Total Environment · 2019

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Summary

This multi-site field study examined nitrogen use efficiency and nitrous oxide emissions from five UK grasslands under contrasting fertiliser regimes and soil conditions. The work provides empirical evidence on how fertiliser application strategy and type influence both nutrient recovery and N₂O release, directly addressing the environmental cost of intensifying grassland production. The findings contribute to understanding the productivity–emissions trade-off central to sustainable grassland and livestock management in the UK context.

UK applicability

The study was conducted across five representative UK grassland sites, making the findings directly applicable to UK grassland management practices and policy. The results inform evidence-based fertiliser recommendations for UK farmers balancing productivity with climate and environmental objectives.

Key measures

Nitrogen use efficiency; nitrous oxide emissions (N₂O flux); nitrogen fertiliser application rates; fertiliser type; soil and site characteristics across five UK locations

Outcomes reported

The study measured nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions across five geographically and edaphically diverse UK grassland sites in response to varying nitrogen fertiliser application rates and types. It quantified the trade-offs between fertiliser-driven productivity gains and climate-relevant gaseous emissions from managed grasslands.

Theme
Climate & resilience
Subject
Grassland & pasture systems
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
United Kingdom
System type
Pasture-based livestock
DOI
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.082
Catalogue ID
BFmobghqj6-ypk0hp

Topic tags

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