Summary
This life cycle assessment study evaluated the mitigation potential of three interventions in a grass-based beef cattle finishing system modelled on primary data from the North Wyke Farm Platform. Using ensemble modelling that integrated soil organic carbon dynamics via the RothC model, the authors found that anaerobic digestion for manure management offered the greatest emissions reduction (26%), followed by white clover introduction (12%) and nitrification inhibitors (7.5%). The research emphasises the importance of system-level analysis including post-farmgate emissions when assessing the sustainability of livestock production interventions.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in the United Kingdom using primary data from a UK farm platform (North Wyke), making the findings directly applicable to UK grass-based beef production systems and policy contexts. The modelling framework and mitigation measures assessed are relevant to UK agricultural conditions, though farm-specific variability and regional differences in soil, climate, and management may influence applicability across different UK regions.
Key measures
Partial carbon footprint (kg CO₂-eq per kg beef liveweight gain); greenhouse gas emissions (N₂O, CO₂, CH₄); cradle-to-farmgate scope
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the carbon footprint reduction potential of three mitigation measures (nitrification inhibitors, white clover introduction, and anaerobic digestion) for grass-based beef cattle finishing systems using life cycle assessment modelling. Reductions ranged from 7.5% to 26% per kilogramme of beef liveweight gain at farmgate.
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