Researcher James Humphreys joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with practical steps to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit.

James outlines the emissions for dairy farms which are: 50% methane, 20% nitrous oxide (fertiliser), 20% ammonia (slurry, urine, faeces) and 10% carbon dioxide (electricity, diesel).

At Solohead Research farm, a trial is being carried out to measure the reduction in nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions resulting for changes to farming practices.

Switching to LESS and protected Urea reduces emissions by 9% which is readily achievable on farms with the resources available.

LESS, protected Urea spread at half rate in combination with clover inclusion reduces emissions by 18%.

LESS, white clover inclusion and no fertiliser use reduces emissions by 25%.

Ceasing fertiliser use will reduce milk output by 5% but this is also associated with reduced costs.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2020/Lowering-the-carbon-footprint-of-pasture-based-dairy-production.pdf

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/