Summary
This field study examined how cattle excreta application affects greenhouse gas emissions from grassland soil in the United Kingdom, with particular attention to the potential mitigation effect of the nitrification inhibitor DCD on nitrous oxide release. The research found that nitrous oxide emissions were significantly elevated following spring application of cattle urine, whilst methane emissions were greater from dung applications, with no significant seasonal differences in treatment efficacy.
UK applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK grassland farming systems and livestock waste management practices. The results provide empirical evidence to inform decisions about timing and amendment of manure applications to minimise greenhouse gas emissions from pastoral systems in temperate maritime climates.
Key measures
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, methane (CH₄) emissions, seasonal variation in response to cattle urine and dung applications
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrous oxide and methane emissions from UK grassland soil following the application of cattle urine (with and without the nitrification inhibitor DCD) and dung. Emissions were quantified across different seasons of application.
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