Improving nitrogen use efficiency
Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Crop-Livestock Systems: A Review of Mitigation Technologies and Management Strategies, and Their Potential Applicability for Egg Supply Chains
Published in the Journal of Cleaner Production
Authors:
Shiva Zargar, Ph.D. Candidate at the Sustainable Bioeconomy Research Group, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Professor Goretty Dias at the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Dr. Davoud Heidari at the Food Systems PRISM Lab, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
Professor Nathan Pelletier at the Food Systems PRISM Lab, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
Efficient nitrogen use is crucial for sustainable agriculture, particularly in crop-livestock systems. The publication, "Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Crop-Livestock Systems: A Review of Mitigation Technologies and Management Strategies, and Their Potential Applicability for Egg Supply Chains," published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, explores technologies and strategies to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and reduce nitrogen emissions, focusing on the egg sector.
Purpose of the Study
The primary challenge in crop-livestock systems is the inefficient use of nitrogen, which leads to various economic, health, and environmental issues. This review aims to identify and compare effective technologies and management strategies that can mitigate nitrogen emissions and improve NUE across crop-livestock supply chains, with a specific focus on egg production.
Key Findings
Studies addressing the mitigation of reactive nitrogen emissions at key stages of the supply chain were reviewed, including feed input production, feed formulation, and manure management. The assessment used environmental, technical, and economic criteria to evaluate these strategies.
Feed Input Production: Implementing the "4Rs" practices (Right source, Right rate, Right time, Right place) and adding biochar to cropland were identified as promising strategies.
Feed Formulation: Reducing crude protein diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids or enzymes showed potential for improving NUE.
Manure Management:
Poultry Housing: Mechanical ventilation, bedded systems, manure belts or scrapers, and ammonia scrubbers were effective strategies.
Manure Storage: Covering manure and adding biochar were identified as effective practices.
Land Application: Incorporating manure at this stage was found to be beneficial.
Broader Implications
Our review highlights that NUE efforts must consider all major reactive nitrogen species and potential interactions between mitigation options across the supply chain. It is crucial to evaluate these strategies through detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) to avoid burden shifting and ensure system-level efficacy.
Achievements and Recognition
This comprehensive review underscores the importance of integrated approaches to improving NUE in crop-livestock systems. By addressing key stages in the supply chain and considering environmental, technical, and economic impacts, this research provides valuable insights for developing sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
This research emphasizes the need for sustainable nitrogen management practices in crop-livestock systems. By implementing the identified mitigation technologies and management strategies, the agricultural sector can enhance nitrogen use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, particularly in the egg supply chain.
For more details, you can access the full paper here.
Contact Information:
For further inquiries or advising services related to life cycle assessment, nitrogen use efficiency and sustainable agricultural practices, please contact hello@buildneutral.ca