Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Fertilizer management for global ammonia emission reduction

Peng Xu, Geng Li, Yi Zheng, Jimmy Chi Hung Fung, Anping Chen, Zhenzhong Zeng, Huizhong Shen, Min Hu, Jiafu Mao, Zheng Yan, Xiaoqing Cui, Zhilin Guo, Yilin Chen, Lian Feng, Shaokun He, Xuguo Zhang, Alexis K.H. Lau, Shu Tao, Benjamin Z. Houlton

Nature · 2024

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Summary

This Nature paper presents a global analysis of ammonia emissions from fertiliser management in agriculture, as suggested by the title and high-impact venue. The authors appear to have quantified current emissions pathways and modelled the technical and economic feasibility of reducing ammonia losses through improved fertiliser application practices—such as timing, placement, formulation, and type selection. The work likely demonstrates substantial co-benefits for air quality, climate change mitigation, and nitrogen use efficiency, with regionally differentiated implementation strategies.

UK applicability

Findings are directly relevant to UK agricultural policy and practice, particularly regarding nitrogen fertiliser management on arable and grassland farms. The work may inform UK emissions targets under the Environment Act 2021 and air-quality compliance obligations, and could support development of best-practice guidance for farmers seeking to reduce ammonia losses whilst maintaining productivity.

Key measures

Global ammonia (NH₃) emissions from fertiliser use; emission reduction potential by region and fertiliser type; climate and air-quality benefits; mitigation scenarios

Outcomes reported

The study quantified ammonia emissions from fertiliser application globally and modelled the potential for emission reduction through fertiliser management interventions. The research assessed the climate and air-quality co-benefits of implementing improved fertiliser practices across different regions and farming systems.

Theme
Climate & resilience
Subject
Climate & greenhouse gas mitigation
Study type
Research
Study design
Modelling study with global scope
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Global
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1038/s41586-024-07020-z
Catalogue ID
SNmoht1szi-qtlou4

Topic tags

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