Summary
This multi-site field study evaluated how different nitrogen fertiliser types affect both nitrogen use efficiency and nitrous oxide emissions in UK grassland systems. The research demonstrates that urea-based fertilisation, particularly when combined with the nitrification inhibitor DCD, reduces N₂O emissions compared to ammonium nitrate or calcium ammonium nitrate. The work establishes important correlations between total nitrogen inputs and plant nitrogen uptake, and between cumulative emissions and yield-adjusted environmental impact metrics.
UK applicability
These findings are directly applicable to UK grassland management and fertiliser policy, as the study was conducted across five UK sites and reflects typical UK farming conditions. The results support evidence-based recommendations for selecting lower-emission fertiliser products and additives within current UK agricultural practice.
Key measures
Nitrous oxide emissions, nitrogen use efficiency, emission factors, nitrogen offtake, excess nitrogen, yield-scaled emissions
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrogen use efficiency, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, and emission factors across five UK grassland sites receiving different nitrogen fertiliser treatments. It examined relationships between total nitrogen input, nitrogen offtake, excess nitrogen, cumulative emissions, and yield-scaled emissions.
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