Reducing nitrous oxide emissions

Reducing nitrous oxide emissions

Ag Matters

This guide explains where nitrous oxide comes from on farm, why it matters for the climate, and what is realistic to change. Dr Cécile de Klein covers the science in a short video, and the guide works through practical levers such as reducing fertiliser use, adjusting stocking rate, precision application and once-a-day milking.

Cutting nitrogen loss also cuts nitrate leaching, so the same changes can support both freshwater and climate goals. Real examples show the ideas in practice, including Dion Gordon's efficiency gains and the Abbiss family's precision fertiliser use at Silverton Pastoral. There is no single fix, but the guide shows you where to start looking on your own farm.

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Have you thought about

Emissions reduction

  • On-farm actions - Nitrogen fertiliser

    Climate
    Emissions reduction
    Fertiliser
    Greenhouse gas
    Productivity
    Risk
    Sustainability

    This guide explains how to cut nitrogen use, reducing nitrous oxide emissions on farms.

  • Ag Matters: Why does nitrous oxide matter?

    Climate
    Emissions reduction
    Fertiliser
    Greenhouse gas
    Sustainability

    Learn about nitrous oxide, its effects, and ways to cut emissions in farming.

Fertiliser

  • Farm Source guide - Optimise nitrogen fertiliser

    Climate
    Fertiliser
    On-farm actions
    Sustainability

    Learn how to plan, time and target nitrogen fertiliser so more of it ends up as pasture growth.

  • Growing more with less environmental impact

    Climate
    Emissions reduction
    Fertiliser
    Horticulture

    See how a Horowhenua vegetable grower nearly halved fertiliser use and cut emissions.

  • Cropping and horticulture emissions reduction

    Climate
    Arable crops
    Emissions reduction
    Fertiliser
    Horticulture
    Soil
    Sustainability

    Learn how cropping and horticulture can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand.

Greenhouse gas

  • Ag Matters: How to reduce emissions

    Climate
    Emissions reduction
    Greenhouse gas
    Livestock
    On-farm actions
    Sustainability

    Learn ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions on your farm with practical steps and tips.

  • Reducing on-farm emissions

    Climate
    Dairy
    Emissions reduction
    Greenhouse gas
    Livestock
    Sustainability

    Learn about dairy farm emissions, their impacts, and ways to reduce them without affecting your profitability.

  • Understanding your farm's emissions

    Climate
    Agritech
    Farm planning
    Greenhouse gas

    Explore the tools that help you map where your farm's emissions come from.

An alternative perspective

  • Precision Farming

    Enterprise
    Agritech
    Dairy
    Fertiliser
    Productivity
    Sustainability

    Precision Farming offers tools for efficient farm management.

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