Nitrous oxide emissions from ruminant urine: science and mitigation for intensively managed perennial pastures

Summary

This narrative review of 2015–2020 literature examines the mechanisms driving N₂O emissions from ruminant urine deposited on intensively managed perennial pastures, focusing on nitrification and denitrification processes. The authors appraise practical mitigation options available to pastoral producers and highlight significant gaps in understanding the real-world effectiveness and commercial applicability of proposed strategies. The work synthesises evidence to inform pasture management practices in reducing direct agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

UK applicability

Findings are directly relevant to UK dairy and beef production on improved grasslands, where intensive grazing and high urine nitrogen concentrations are common. The review's appraisal of mitigation options may inform UK farming practice and policy on reducing agricultural N₂O emissions, though applicability depends on adoption barriers specific to UK commercial conditions.

Key measures

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission rates from ruminant urine patches; nitrification and denitrification pathways; mitigation strategy effectiveness

Outcomes reported

The review synthesised recent literature on N₂O emissions from ruminant urine patches in intensively managed perennial pastures, examining the underlying biogeochemical mechanisms (nitrification and denitrification). The authors evaluated practical mitigation strategies available to pastoral producers and identified knowledge gaps regarding effectiveness under commercial farming conditions.

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