Summary
This three-year field study evaluated the substitution of chemical fertiliser nitrogen with pig manure in wheat–maize rotation systems, using ventilation-type ammonia capture devices and lysimeters to measure gaseous and liquid nitrogen losses alongside crop yields. A 30% substitution ratio (OF₃₀) optimised outcomes, delivering wheat yields of 9,181 kg ha⁻¹ with 0.256 g kg⁻¹ lower ammonia emissions per unit grain, and maize yields of 10,897 kg ha⁻¹ with 0.17 g kg⁻¹ lower emissions, thereby balancing environmental and productive benefits.
Regional applicability
The findings derive from a Chinese context and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom cereal systems, which operate under different climatic, soil, and regulatory conditions. However, the methodological approach and evidence for optimising manure substitution ratios to reduce ammonia and nitrate losses whilst maintaining yields are transferable to UK mixed and arable systems, particularly where pig manure availability and nitrogen management strategies are priorities.
Key measures
Ammonia (NH₃) emissions per unit grain output (g kg⁻¹); nitrate (NO₃⁻) leaching concentrations; wheat and maize grain yields (kg ha⁻¹)
Outcomes reported
The study measured ammonia emissions, nitrate leaching, and grain yields across five nitrogen fertilisation treatments (including pig manure substitution at 15%, 30%, and 45% ratios) in a wheat–maize rotation over three growing seasons (2022–2024).
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