Scenario based modelling approach to inform the spatial refinement of nitrogen management strategies for improving nitrogen use efficiency in Irish grasslands
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Irish nitrogen policies need geographical data for sustainability. This study used the DNDC model to identify key soil and climate factors influencing grass yield and nitrogen loss, improving 4R Nutrient Stewardship.
Area Of Science
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background
- Current Irish nitrogen (N) management policies, including the Green Book (GB) and Fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP), lack explicit consideration of geographical factors influencing N uptake and loss.
- This omission hinders on-farm sustainability and alignment with 4R Nutrient Stewardship (4RNS) goals.
Purpose Of The Study
- To identify regional (Group 1) and local (Group 2) variables for grass yield and N loss using the DeNitrification DeComposition (DNDC) model.
- To assess the impact of GB and NAP policies on yield and N loss under varying Irish grassland conditions.
Main Methods
- Employed the DNDC model with site-specific parameterization for three Irish grassland locations (Johnstown Castle loam and sandy loam, Moorepark sandy loam).
- Conducted scenario analysis using minimum input data identified from literature for reliable model performance.
- Simulated N management under GB and NAP policies to evaluate effects on yield and N loss pathways (NH3 volatilisation, N2O emissions, NO3- leaching).
Main Results
- The NAP policy simulated lower grass yields (-4.98% to -15.62%) but reduced NH3 volatilisation (-29.40% to -30.35%), N2O emissions (-30.49% to -35.15%), and NO3- leaching (-55.51% to -61.38%).
- Key Group 1 and 2 variables for yield and N2O emissions included soil sand content, bulk density (BD), and soil organic carbon (SOC).
- Annual rainfall and average temperature were critical for NH3 volatilisation, while NO3- leaching depended on soil properties (sand, clay, pH) and climate variables.
Conclusions
- Integrating geographical factors (soil type, climate) into N management policies is crucial for enhancing sustainability in Irish grasslands.
- The DNDC model effectively identified key variables for optimizing N use efficiency and minimizing environmental losses.
- Site-specific data and modeling are essential for refining policies like GB and NAP to better achieve 4RNS goals.
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