Summary
This field-based study on extensively grazed organic soils identifies nitrification as the rate-limiting process controlling N₂O emissions from sheep urine patches. By quantifying nitrification dynamics, the authors derived mechanistic emission factors that reduce estimated N₂O emissions by approximately 43% compared to standard country-specific excretion factors, potentially improving greenhouse gas inventory accuracy for grazing systems.
UK applicability
The study was conducted on UK organic soils under extensive grazing and directly addresses methodologies used in UK greenhouse gas inventories and organic farming systems. These findings could refine emissions reporting for the substantial UK sheep flock and inform practices on organic grasslands.
Key measures
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions; nitrification rates; emission factor (EF) comparisons; percentage reduction relative to country-specific excretal EF
Outcomes reported
The study measured N₂O emissions from sheep urine patches on extensively grazed organic soils and evaluated nitrification as a key process. The research demonstrated a 43% reduction in emissions estimates when using detailed mechanistic data compared to country-specific excretion factors.
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