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

Beneficial effects of multi-species mixtures on N2O emissions from intensively managed grassland swards

Saoirse Cummins, John A. Finn, Karl G. Richards, Gary Lanigan, Guylain Grange, Caroline Brophy, L. M. Cardenas, T. H. Misselbrook, C.K. Reynolds, Dominika Król

The Science of The Total Environment · 2021

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Summary

This field study compared N2O emissions from intensively managed grassland swards of varying species diversity, as suggested by the title. The work appears to assess whether botanical complexity in grass mixtures can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from high-input pasture systems. The findings may inform grassland management practices aimed at reducing agricultural nitrous oxide emissions whilst maintaining productivity.

UK applicability

Given the UK authorship and likely UK field site(s), the results are directly applicable to UK grassland-based livestock systems, particularly intensive dairy and beef production where N2O emissions are a significant climate concern. The findings could inform Defra and devolved administration guidance on sustainable grassland management.

Key measures

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from grassland swards; grassland species composition and diversity; management intensity effects

Outcomes reported

The study examined how multi-species grassland swards (as opposed to monocultures) affect nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under intensive management conditions. N2O emissions were measured as the primary environmental outcome.

Theme
Climate & resilience
Subject
Climate & greenhouse gas mitigation
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.2021.148163
Catalogue ID
BFmor3fy0h-pbrsgd

Topic tags

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