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 trial examined how cattle excreta management practices affect greenhouse gas emissions from UK grassland soils. The research compared cattle urine with and without the nitrification inhibitor DCD alongside dung applications, measuring N₂O and CH₄ fluxes across seasons. Findings suggest that application timing and excreta type influence emissions profiles, with potential implications for mitigation strategies in pastoral systems.

UK applicability

This study was conducted on UK grassland under British conditions, making findings directly applicable to UK pastoral farming practice and policy. The results may inform guidance on timing of slurry/excreta application and uptake of nitrification inhibitors as greenhouse gas mitigation tools in UK livestock systems.

Key measures

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

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. Emissions were tracked across different seasons of application to identify treatment and temporal effects.

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
BFmovbm69e-f76zh3

Topic tags

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