The overarching goal of amoA is to create an Impact Evaluation Framework for the use of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) to significantly reduce agricultural N2O emissions. Previous studies have found that emissions of the potent greenhouse gas (N2O) after fertilizer addition supplemented with a NI are significantly reduced. Danish calculations estimate that the use of NIs can reduce N2O emissions by more than 500 kt CO2 equivalent per year.
Today, NIs are regulated according to REACH and EU's fertilizer regulations, but despite structural similarities to fungicides, no assessments of groundwater leaching or their effects on soil ecosystems are required, raising strong concerns about their safety and environmental impact. In collaboration with Arla and Danish Crown, over 3 years this interdisciplinary project will generate the innovation needed to help secure that the use of chemical NIs does not have unintended environmental impacts. This is seen by industry partners as a prerequisite to actually endorse the use of chemical NIs as a central tool in greening Danish agricultural production.
The scientific aim of this project is to provide the scientific base for a robust framework to evaluate the fate and effects of NIs. This will be achieved by determining
The application of this new knowledge leads to the following technical aims:
This will enable reliable and effective reductions of N2O emissions while minimizing adverse effects. Fulfilment of the technical aims will enable the following commercial aims: