Significant Reduction In Nitrous Oxide Emissions Seen In Wheat Trial By University of Lincoln And OMEX
The results of our collaborative trial, looking at a reduction in NOx emissions in wheat, with the University of Lincoln are in, showing a 75% reduction in nitrous oxide emissions in wheat production, when grown with our nitrification inhibitor; NOxShield.
Nitrous oxide remains one of the most significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture. Emissions are largely driven by input applications, making improved nitrogen management a key focus for growers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Reducing fertiliser emissions is a recognised route to improving the overall carbon efficiency of wheat production, helping growers demonstrate progress against farm and supply-chain carbon footprint targets.
NOxShield
Reducing Nitrous Oxide Emissions by 75%
The trial conducted by Dr Andy Barker of Barwoth Research and Professor Iain Gould of the University of Lincoln, was carried out over a full spring growing season on a crop of spring wheat on sandy loam soils. It was designed to assess the impact of NOxShield on N₂O emissions when applied alongside standard fertiliser programmes, while also capturing changes in emissions over time.
Results from the trial showed a clear reduction in emissions where NOxShield was used. Across the season, cumulative N₂O emissions from treated plots were consistently lower than those receiving fertiliser alone, with an overall reduction of 75% in N₂O-N recorded. NOxShield, used within the trial, is a nitrification inhibitor developed to improve nutrient use efficiency by slowing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate in the soil. This helps to reduce nitrogen losses through leaching and volatilisation, while maintaining availability for crop uptake.
NOxShield“As the industry continues to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving nitrogen efficiency is a key part of the solution. These results demonstrate the role nitrification inhibitors can play in reducing emissions at field level, while maintaining effective crop nutrition.”
David Booty, Head of R&D
Reducing Carbon Footprint In Wheat Production
The findings provide further evidence of the environmental benefits of integrating researched nitrogen technologies into fertiliser programmes, particularly in systems where minimising losses is a priority.
Using standard carbon footprinting assumptions (Wiltshire et al., ADAS, 2008), the 75% reduction in N₂O emissions seen in the trial equated to an overall reduction in total crop emissions at approximately 19%, a fifth per tonne with our Head of R&D, David, adding “results will vary by season and system used in farm applications, however this latest research marks a positive step towards reducing the carbon footprint of food production, whilst maximising crop output for farmers.”
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Our Commitment To Sustainable Fertiliser Use
Our latest trial studying a reduction In NOx Emissions forms part of our ongoing commitment to developing practical, science-led solutions that support both productivity and environmental performance on farm. With increasing pressure on agriculture to meet sustainability targets, tools such as NOxShield offer growers a straightforward approach to reducing emissions without compromising output.
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