Process-based modeling approaches for integral assessment of the impact of feeding management on greenhouse gas and nitrogen emissions in dairy production systems

Latifa Ouatahar, Gary Lanigan, André Bannink, Thomas Amon, Dominika Krol, Barbara Amon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Feed management decisions are crucial elements in managing greenhouse gas (GHG) and nitrogen (N) emissions from livestock farming systems. Statistical and empirical models are well suited for assessing practical applications of mitigation strategies, such as GHG calculator tools for farmers and inventory purposes, whereas process-based simulation models can offer more insights into how biotic and abiotic factors affect GHG and N emissions. Using a cascade of process-based models (or their results) that simulate the variation in GHG and N emissions and the associated total farm budget represents a valuable method to describe the underlying processes within the system and their drivers and to assess the overall impact of different feeding management strategies and mitigation options on GHG and N emissions. This latter method hasn’t been used yet. Therefore, this study aims to describe how to implement this approach from animal to field level using a set of process-based models (i.e. Dutch tier 3 model, Manure DNDC model, and DNDC model) and describe the steps of the modeling process. Various well-monitored case study farms in Europe and New Zealand ranging between grazing, and confinement systems, were assessed using this method and compared to estimate the changes encountered in the carbon (C) footprints of the systems. Simulation results showed significant differences between process-based model results and current generic emission factors used in national inventories.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)323-334
Number of pages12
JournalVDI Berichte
Volume2022
Issue number2406
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

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