Summary
This multi-site field study quantified nitrogen use efficiency and nitrous oxide emissions across five UK grassland systems under contrasting fertiliser regimes. The research demonstrates that urea-based fertilisation, particularly when combined with the nitrification inhibitor DCD (dicyandiamide), can substantially reduce N₂O emissions compared to ammonium nitrate or calcium ammonium nitrate. The findings establish empirical relationships between nitrogen input, productivity, excess nitrogen, and both cumulative and yield-scaled emissions, providing evidence to support fertiliser selection decisions on grassland farms.
UK applicability
These findings are directly applicable to UK grassland management, as the study was conducted across five UK sites representing typical pastoral systems. The results offer practical guidance for farmers and agronomists selecting nitrogen fertiliser products and amendment strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst maintaining productivity.
Key measures
Nitrogen use efficiency, N₂O emissions, emission factors (EF), nitrogen offtake, nitrogen excess, yield-scaled emissions, fertiliser type comparison
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrogen use efficiency, nitrous oxide emissions, and emission factors across five fertilised grassland sites in the UK under different nitrogen fertiliser types and management practices. It examined correlations between total nitrogen input, nitrogen offtake, excess nitrogen, cumulative emissions, and yield-scaled emissions.
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