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Opportunities to reduce Nitrate Leaching from grazed grassland in Northern Ireland

Why?


Nitrate Leaching from agricultural land has become a greater problem in recent years, particularly with intensification in agricultural production, with a growing rise in the use of nitrogen fertilizers and the application of slurry.

Detail

  • This report reviews research conducted in New Zealand, to examine the usefulness of Nitrification Inhibitors for reducing nitrate leaching from grazed grassland
  • Also examines the potential application of this research for Northern Ireland

Result

  • Nitrification Inhibitors can be effective, but this varies with time
  • Previous studies have been conducted on a small-scale experimental basis and more data are required from field studies
  • Factors limiting the use of Nitrification Inhibitors include cost and period of time for which their application remains viable (3 weeks)
  • Good management practice may be as effective as Nitrification Inhibitors in reducing nitrate leaching
Opportunities to reduce Nitrate Leaching from grazed grassland in Northern Ireland (PDF 286 KB)
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