Summary
This field trial quantified greenhouse gas emissions from a UK grassland soil following controlled applications of cattle urine and dung at different points in the grazing season. The study provides empirical emission factors for cattle excreta deposition, addressing spatial variability uncertainties in grassland N₂O inventories. Dicyandiamide (DCD) showed promise in reducing N₂O emissions when applied with spring urine, though methane emissions were notably elevated following dung application regardless of season.
UK applicability
These findings are directly applicable to UK grassland systems and national agricultural greenhouse gas inventory calculations, as they derive from UK clay loam soils under typical grazing conditions. The results support potential mitigation strategies through nitrification inhibitors for UK dairy and beef production systems.
Key measures
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission factors; methane (CH₄) emissions; seasonal variation in emissions; effect of DCD on spring urine applications
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrous oxide and methane emissions from grassland soil following application of cattle urine and dung at different times of the grazing season, and assessed the effect of the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on N₂O emissions.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.