Summary
This multi-site field study evaluated how different nitrogen fertiliser types and nitrification inhibitors influence both N₂O emissions and nitrogen use efficiency in UK grasslands. Urea-based fertilisers, particularly when amended with the nitrification inhibitor DCD, produced lower N₂O emissions compared to mineral forms. The research demonstrates important trade-offs between total nitrogen input, grass nitrogen offtake, and both absolute and yield-scaled greenhouse gas emissions.
UK applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK grassland management and fertiliser policy, as the study was conducted across five UK sites. Results support the adoption of urea with nitrification inhibitors as a climate-mitigation strategy for UK dairy and livestock grazing systems, with implications for Defra and industry fertiliser recommendations.
Key measures
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen offtake, nitrogen excess, emission factors (EF), yield-scaled emissions, fertiliser type comparisons (urea vs. ammonium nitrate vs. calcium ammonium nitrate), DCD (dicyandiamide) additive effects
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrogen use efficiency and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions across five UK fertilised grasslands under different nitrogen fertiliser regimes. It quantified cumulative emissions, emission factors, and their relationships with total nitrogen input, offtake, and yield-scaled metrics.
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