New Fertiliser Lowers Greenhouse Gases
Research from Teagasc and the AgriFood and Biosciences Institute has shown Koch Advanced Nitrogen fertiliser helps to reduce greenhouse gases
Print29 June 2016
Teagasc and the AgriFood and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) released their final research results of a nitrogen fertiliser comparison study that measured efficiencies and emissions in an island of Ireland context. The field trials were conducted over a three year period in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland.
Although calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) is the most commonly used straight nitrogen fertiliser in Ireland, its use can result in high emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas. Approximately 32 percent of Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to Irish agriculture. By 2020, the country is committed to reducing its overall greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent compared to 2004 levels.
Teagasc’s and AFBI’s research identified a stabilised nitrogen fertiliser which lowered direct emissions of N2O from fertiliser on grassland by 73 percent on average as compared to CAN. The stabilised nitrogen fertiliser used in the research trials is available in Ireland under the brand name Koch Advanced Nitrogen fertiliser and is supplied by Advanced Fertilizers Ltd. The product is powered by AGROTAIN nitrogen stabiliser – a proven urease inhibitor that minimizes nitrogen losses to the environment.
Mike Shields, General Manager of Advanced Fertilizers Ltd, speaking at the announcement today said: “Farmers are largely shouldering the burden of increasing yields while reducing emissions. Food Wise 2025 established the plan to grow agricultural exports while reducing environmental impact. Today, the Teagasc and AFBI results confirm that a simple switch to Koch Advanced Nitrogen fertiliser can help achieve the Food Wise 2025 goals. It is also an opportunity for all stakeholders in Origin Green and those committed to high quality and low emission food production.”
“An additional benefit of Koch Advanced Nitrogen fertiliser is the higher concentration of nitrogen. Koch Advanced Nitrogen fertiliser contains 70 percent more nitrogen than CAN, so less tonnes of fertiliser are required to be moved and spread. This means that the cost of applying nitrogen fertiliser is reduced. With its strong yield performance, lower cost per unit of nitrogen, and emissions reductions, Koch Advanced Nitrogen fertiliser creates a ‘triple win’ for Irish agriculture.”
“It is rare to have such a clear and simple technological solution to such a complex challenge. We are delighted to hear from the scientists such positive results that have immediate benefits for farmers,” Mike concluded.
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