|
Title:
|
|
Consequences of new scientific findings for future abatement of ammonia emissions
|
|
|
|
Author(s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Published by:
|
Publication date:
|
|
ECN
|
1-2-1999
|
|
|
|
ECN report number:
|
Document type:
|
|
ECN-RX--99-005
|
Article (scientific)
|
|
|
|
Number of pages:
|
|
|
10
|
|
Published in: Environmental Pollution (Elsevier), , 1998, Vol.102, p.275-282.
Abstract:
Several studies have shown that the estimated decreased in emissions ofammonia in the Netherlands are overestimated. Results obtained from recent
research on the so-called compensation point of ammonia in intensive farming
areas affected with swine fever, and research on emissions following
application, all show that the decrease in emissions of ammonia expected to
be achieved by injection of manure into the soil is not obtained when the
amount of nitrogen greatly exceeds the crop need. The amount of nitrogen
applied to Dutch soils has exceeded crop and grass needs for some years. When
this condition continues for a long time it appears that ammonia available in
the manure or soil will be emitted from the crop/soil system as the result of
changes in the air-soil/vegetation equilibrium. If this hypothesis is true we
have to reconsider the current strategies for management of ammonia emissions
in intensive farming areas. The emphasis should be on limitations of the
total amount of nitrogen applied to soils rather than on increasing the
effectiveness of injection of manure. Furthermore, the N-cycle should be
considered as a whole and nitrogen management approached should be adjusted
so they are optimal for both nitrogen management and crop production
efficiency. The technological measures that should be explored include
chemical binding of nitrogen in manure or in soil, manure processing on farm
level with the emphasis on fixation of ammonium or extraction of ammonia from
the manure, combined with further processing into specific fertiliser
products, and for de-nitrification to N2. 20 refs.
Back to List