How is Fert Research addressing the issue of greenhouse gases?
Fert Research is a member of the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGGRC) which co-ordinates research efforts in this area. Through this body Fert Research provides funds for research into greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide and methane).
Fert Research is also represented on the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre’s Stakeholder Advisory Board.
The contribution of fertiliser to greenhouse gases comes mainly from nitrogen. Fertiliser nitrogen produces nitrous oxide emissions as a result of the natural biological soil processes of nitrification and denitrification.
Research is looking at reducing nitrous oxide emissions, although only 10% of all agricultural nitrous oxide emissions are generated directly from fertiliser. In fact, the majority of nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture come from livestock dung and urine patches.
This source of greenhouse gas is being addressed by Fert Research member companies developing nitrification inhibitor products which reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
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