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

Effect of the application of cattle urine with or without the nitrification inhibitor DCD, and dung on greenhouse gas emissions from a UK grassland soil

L. M. Cardenas, T. H. Misselbrook, C. J. Hodgson, N. Donovan, S. L. Gilhespy, Keith A. Smith, M.S. Dhanoa, David R. Chadwick

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment · 2016

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Summary

This field experiment evaluated how cattle excreta management practices affect greenhouse gas emissions from UK grassland soil. The research compared emissions from cattle urine with or without the nitrification inhibitor DCD against dung application, measured across different seasons. Results indicate that N₂O emissions were reduced by DCD during spring application, whilst dung produced larger methane emissions than urine treatments, though seasonal variation in treatment effects was not significant.

UK applicability

The study directly reflects UK grassland management practices and soil conditions, providing evidence relevant to UK livestock farmers and policy-makers seeking to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions through manure management modifications.

Key measures

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, methane (CH₄) emissions, seasonal variation in gas fluxes

Outcomes reported

The study measured nitrous oxide and methane emissions from grassland soil following application of cattle urine (with and without the nitrification inhibitor DCD) and dung, comparing spring and other seasonal applications.

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.agee.2016.10.025
Catalogue ID
BFmor3fy0h-tk5lw7

Topic tags

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