Optimizing livestock manure applications to reduce nitrate and ammonia pollution: scenario analysis using the MANNER model
2001
Webb, J. | Henderson, D. | Anthony, S.G.
Measures to reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions by incorporating livestock manures into the soil may increase the potential for nitrate (NO3-) leaching. The Manure Evaluation Routine (MANNER) model estimates the amount of N available to crops following livestock manure applications after calculating losses due to NH3 volatilization and NO3- leaching. The main objective of this study was to use the MANNER model to quantify the impact on NO3- leaching of introducing measures to reduce NH3 emissions, following application of livestock manures. The data produced were also used to make preliminary estimates of the likely effect of selected NH3 abatement techniques on the potential for nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. At typical UK rates of application, the potential for increased NO3- leaching following either injection of slurry or rapid incorporation of solid manures was greatest for broiler/turkey manure (22-58 kg N ha(-1)) and least for straw-based cattle manure (6-10 kg N ha(-1)). The results suggest that in order to avoid substantially increasing the potential for NO3- leaching as a consequence of NH3 abatement, livestock manures should not be applied by low NH3 emission techniques prior to autumn-sown crops in the UK. Instead, low-emission applications should be made from October onwards to grassland and where possible, late autumn-sown combinable crops or to arable land which will be planted in the spring. However, in several areas of England and Wales there is currently insufficient land planted to spring crops on which to incorporate the livestock manures produced in those areas.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library