Summary
This review synthesises current understanding of nitrous oxide generation from ruminant urine deposited on perennial pastures, a significant source of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. The authors examine the biochemical pathways driving N₂O production and appraise evidence for on-farm mitigation strategies applicable to intensive grassland systems. The paper suggests that targeted interventions—including chemical inhibitors and management practices—offer potential to reduce emissions without compromising pasture productivity, though effectiveness varies with soil and climatic conditions.
UK applicability
Given the extensive area of perennial pasture under dairy and beef production in the United Kingdom, and current pressure to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, the mitigation approaches reviewed are directly relevant to UK farming policy and practice. The findings may inform industry adoption of N₂O reduction technologies and grazing management practices suited to UK temperate conditions.
Key measures
Nitrous oxide emission rates from urine patches; effectiveness of mitigation interventions (e.g. nitrification/urease inhibitors, dietary additives, grazing management)
Outcomes reported
The study examined the mechanisms and magnitude of nitrous oxide emissions from ruminant urine in intensively managed perennial pastures, and evaluated potential mitigation strategies to reduce these emissions.
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