Summary
This meta-analysis synthesised data from 2164 N₂O emission observations to evaluate nitrification inhibitor efficacy in grazing systems. Overall, NIs reduced emission factors by 56.6%, with performance varying significantly by soil conditions, climate, and baseline emission risk. The findings suggest that contextual application—targeting high-emission situations and optimising application rates—could substantially improve mitigation outcomes in pastoral agriculture.
Regional applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK grassland and livestock systems, which are major sources of agricultural N₂O emissions. Variable-rate NI application informed by risk mapping could be integrated into UK farm management and agri-environment schemes to cost-effectively reduce emissions from grazing livestock.
Key measures
Nitrous oxide emission factors (EFs, expressed as % of N applied); percentage reduction in N₂O EF with and without nitrification inhibitors; soil bulk density, moisture, and temperature; N content of urine and manure
Outcomes reported
The meta-analysis quantified the efficacy of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) in reducing nitrous oxide emission factors across 2164 observations from peer-reviewed studies. It identified contextual factors—including soil properties, climate conditions, N source type, and application rate—that influence NI performance in grazing systems.
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