Nitrogen fertilizer rate management as a nitrous oxide mitigation strategy: Development of a nitrous oxide emission reduction protocol

Millar, N., G.P. Robertson, P.R. Grace, R.J. Gehl and J.P. Hoben

Presented at the All Scientist Meeting (2012-03-15 to 2012-03-16 )

• Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) with a global warming potential (GWP) of ~ 300.

• Over half the global anthropogenic N2O flux is attributable to soil emissions, primarily due to nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications.

• Emissions of N2O represent the single largest contributor to the global warming impact of annual cropping systems.

• Quantification of trade–offs between N2O emissions, N fertilizer rate, and crop yield is essential to inform management strategies.

• Nitrous oxide, is a major target for protocols and offset projects due to the high payback associated with its emission prevention.