How to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit

Researcher James Humphreys joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with practical steps to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit.

James outlines the emissions for dairy farms which are: 50% methane, 20% nitrous oxide (fertiliser), 20% ammonia (slurry, urine, faeces) and 10% carbon dioxide (electricity, diesel).

At Solohead Research farm, a trial is being carried out to measure the reduction in nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions resulting for changes to farming practices.

Switching to LESS and protected Urea reduces emissions by 9% which is readily achievable on farms with the resources available.

LESS, protected Urea spread at half rate in combination with clover inclusion reduces emissions by 18%.

LESS, white clover inclusion and no fertiliser use reduces emissions by 25%.

Ceasing fertiliser use will reduce milk output by 5% but this is also associated with reduced costs.

For more information:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2020/Lowering-the-carbon-footprint-of-pasture-based-dairy-production.pdf

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

What is The Dairy Edge?

The Dairy Edge is Teagasc’s dairy podcast for farmers with the latest information, insights and opinion to improve your dairy farm performance.

Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/