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

Summary

This multi-site field study examined nitrogen use efficiency and nitrous oxide emissions across five geographically and pedologically diverse UK grasslands receiving increasing rates of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser. The research found that urea-based fertilisers, particularly when combined with the nitrification inhibitor DCD, reduced N₂O emissions compared to ammonium nitrate or calcium ammonium nitrate formulations. The findings suggest that fertiliser type and application strategy can substantially influence both nitrogen balance and climate impact in intensified grassland systems.

UK applicability

These findings are directly applicable to UK grassland management and intensification practice, as the study was conducted across five representative UK sites spanning different soil types and climates. The results provide evidence-based guidance for selecting nitrogen fertiliser types to reduce emissions intensity whilst maintaining productivity in UK livestock farming systems.

Key measures

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), nitrous oxide emissions (N₂O), nitrogen offtake, nitrogen excess, cumulative emissions, emission factor (EF), and yield-scaled emissions

Outcomes reported

The study measured nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, and nitrogen balance across five UK grassland sites under varying inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application rates and types. Researchers evaluated how fertiliser type (ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, and urea) and use of the nitrification inhibitor DCD affected both productivity and greenhouse gas emissions.

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