Sources of nitrous oxide emissions from agriculturally managed peatlands

Summary

This global analysis used machine learning and observational data to partition nitrous oxide emissions from managed peatlands into contributions from applied fertiliser and from nitrogen mineralisation during peat decomposition. The study found that croplands emit substantially more N₂O than grasslands, with fertiliser responsible for roughly one-third of cropland emissions. Findings suggest that mitigation strategies should be differentiated by land use and climate zone, with rewetting emerging as particularly important for grassland N₂O reduction and peat conservation.

UK applicability

The United Kingdom has significant managed peatland area, particularly in lowland regions and the south-west. These findings are relevant to UK agricultural policy on peatland management and greenhouse gas reduction targets, though local validation of the global emission factors and mitigation potentials under temperate maritime conditions would strengthen applicability.

Key measures

Annual N₂O emissions (kt N year⁻¹) from managed peatland croplands and grasslands; contribution of fertiliser-induced N₂O; fertiliser-induced emission factors (%); N₂O reduction potential from 20% fertiliser reduction; land area requiring rewetting to achieve equivalent emission reductions

Outcomes reported

The study quantified global N₂O emissions from agriculturally managed peatlands, distinguishing contributions from fertiliser application versus nitrogen release from peat decomposition, and modelled the comparative effectiveness of fertiliser reduction versus rewetting as mitigation strategies.

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