Mitigation of nitrous oxide emissions in grazing systems through nitrification inhibitors: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Grasslands are the largest contributor of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions in the agriculture sector due to livestock excreta and nitrogen fertilizers applied to the soil. Nitrification inhibitors (NIs) added to N input have reduced N 2 O emissions, but can show a range of efficiencies depending on climate, soil, and management conditions. A meta-analysis study was conducted to investigate the factors that influence the efficiency of NIs added to fertilizer and excreta in reducing N 2 O emissions, focused on grazing systems. Data from peer-reviewed studies comprising 2164 N 2 O emission factors (EFs) of N inputs with and without NIs addition were compared. The N 2 O EFs varied according to N source (0.0001–8.25%). Overall, NIs reduced the N 2 O EF from N addition by 56.6% (51.1–61.5%), with no difference between NI types (Dicyandiamide—DCD; 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate—DMPP; and Nitrapyrin) or N source (urine, dung, slurry, and fertilizer). The NIs were more efficient in situations of high N 2 O emissions compared with low; the reduction was 66.0% when EF > 1.5% of N applied compared with 51.9% when EF ≤ 0.5%. DCD was more efficient when applied at rates > 10 kg ha −1 . NIs were less efficient in urine with lower N content (≤ 7 g kg −1 ). NI efficiency was negatively correlated with soil bulk density, and positively correlated with soil moisture and temperature. Better understanding and management of NIs can optimize N 2 O mitigation in grazing systems, e.g., by mapping N 2 O risk and applying NI at variable rate, contributing to improved livestock sustainability.