Lowering Livestock Emissions
May 13th, 2009
Agricultural experts are convinced new techniques can lower greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, effectively cutting NZ’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Dicyanmide, known as DCD, is being used to limit the conversion of nitrogen in cow urine and dung to the GHG, nitrous oxide. While nitrous oxide makes up about one-sixth of NZ’s total GHG emissions, tests show DCD may cut up to 70% of nitrous oxide produced in this way. After years of research, the Govt hopes the DCD effect will be factored in to NZ’s official emissions aggregate when it is counted in by the UN in 2015.
Mark Aspin, manager of the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas consortium says there is “pretty sound” evidence to show DCD significantly cuts emissions by keeping nitrate in the top layer of soil, where grass roots can absorb it before it is washed away or transformed to nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is one of 2 major greenhouse gases from livestock (the other is methane) which together make up about half of NZ’s emissions. Aspin says NZ is about 7 years or more away from a commercial solution on methane.
Copyright © Media Information Ltd
NZ Energy & Environment Business Week
Amalgamated Dairies