Limiting Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Soil Using Controlled Release Nitrogen

This project obtained data necessary to qualify the use of Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) as a BMP in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to be adopted by farmers as a potential cash incentive for emission reduction.

Impacts and Lessons Learned

Synchronizing the availability of nitrogen (N) in soil with crop demand is an effective way to increase N fertilizer use efficiency, however demonstration that it can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions is lacking. If proven to be a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) may qualify among other Best Management Practices (BMPs) for potential cash incentives to farmers for emission reduction.

This study indicated that it is possible to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from soil using controlled release nitrogen (ESN). However, the controlled release nitrogen also seemed to slow the release of nitrogen to the crops. Based on these results, the current recommendation is for growers in the Red River Valley to use a blend of controlled release nitrogen and urea to reduce emissions but still meet the growing needs of the crop.

The ability to reduce nitrous oxide emissions facilitated the beginning of two new research projects looking at ESN banding in both field crops and potatoes.