Big environmental role proven for new nitrogen fertiliser

Irish researchers have shown that replacing the straight nitrogen fertiliser most widely used by Irish farmers with a newer product can cut the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with fertiliser application by 73% on average in grassland.

It’s a major finding in light of the EU commitment to reduce GHG emissions 20% by 2020, compared to 2004 levels.

Over the last three years, Teagasc, and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Northern Ireland have together investigated agricultural emissions, and how to reconcile farm production and environmental targets.