How does Irish dairy farming impact nitrogen emissions?

Nitrogen emissions typically come in the form of nitrous oxide, which is one of the main agricultural greenhouse gases. Nitrous oxide is emitted when nitrogen containing fertilisers are applied to soil. Nitrous oxide is also produced during the breakdown of nitrogen in animal urine and manure. Farmers apply fertiliser and/or manure to soil to ensure the growth of healthy and nutritious crops.

There are numerous management schemes, specific to dairy farming, in place that aim to reduce agricultural nitrogen emissions. Such strategies include grassland and fertiliser management, whereby clover is planted with grass to naturally produce a source of nitrogen, thus nourishment for growing crops and grassland.

Extra Information:

The Carbon Navigator is a farm management tool produced by Bord Bia and Teagasc and is used by farmers to evaluate their current performance in areas of environmental impact against specific targets. It estimates the % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that will result from various farming practices. While the individual amounts for each measure can seem very small the overall impact can be very significant.

In the area of nitrogen efficiency targets that lead to improved utilisation of nitrogen by plants result in lower losses of Nitrous Oxide. Similarly in the area of slurry usage, the timing and method of application can have a big impact on nitrogen utilisation. Dairy Sustainability Ireland is working to guide sustainable dairy practices in this area.