Graslandmanagement voor reductie van methaan en ammoniak: Resultaten analyse KringloopWijzer 2020 van 12 pilotbedrijven

This project focuses on an integrated approach to reduce CH4 and NH3 on dairy farms, with changes in grassland management as a measure. For 12 pilot farms using with grazing cattle, the current efficiency and corresponding CH4 and NH3 emissions were calculated. This was done using Annual Nutrient Cycle Assessment (ANCA), applying adapted emission factors for CH4 (A), simulating single (B) and combined (C) effects of farm characteristics and management strategies on emissions. This overview shows that increasing grazing hours and increasing fresh grass intake can contribute to simultaneous reduction of CH4 and NH3 on dairy farms. The crude protein level of additional roughage feeding plays an important role in reducing NH3 emission. This effect depends on whether the farmer corrects for the protein content of other feed components. Also, when reducing crude protein level of additional roughage feeding, regular analysis of fresh grass can play an important role in reducing NH3 emission. To use ANCA as a simulating and predicting tool for CH4 emission, an updated and well substantiated emission factor is essential.