Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Nitrous oxide emissions from ruminant urine: science and mitigation for intensively managed perennial pastures

Timothy J. Clough, L. M. Cardenas, Johannes Friedl, Benjamin Wolf

Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability · 2020

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Summary

This review synthesises current understanding of nitrous oxide emissions from ruminant urine in intensively managed perennial pastures, examining both the underlying science and practical mitigation options. The paper, as suggested by its scope and publication in Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, addresses a significant source of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and explores management strategies to reduce N₂O losses whilst maintaining productivity. The authors integrate soil science, animal management, and climate mitigation perspectives relevant to pastoral systems.

UK applicability

Highly applicable to UK dairy and livestock farming, where intensively managed perennial grasslands dominate pastoral production. Findings on N₂O mitigation from urine patches are directly relevant to UK climate policy targets and agricultural practice on grassland farms.

Key measures

Nitrous oxide emissions from urine; mitigation effectiveness; pasture management practices

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews science on nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from ruminant urine deposited on perennial pastures and examines mitigation strategies applicable to intensively managed grazing systems. It synthesises evidence on emission mechanisms and potential management interventions.

Theme
Climate & resilience
Subject
Climate & greenhouse gas mitigation
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Pasture-based livestock
DOI
10.1016/j.cosust.2020.07.001
Catalogue ID
BFmor3fy0h-dyat01

Topic tags

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