Factors influencing nitrification inhibitor performance (Obj. 1)
The first objective of the Target-N2O project is to explore the factors influencing N2O emissions and DMPP performance in hot-spot feature soils. This is being investigated through a series of laboratory incubations, exploring the importance of the interaction of urine, dung and compaction on N2O emissions and DMPP efficacy. This includes testing whether standard rates of DMPP application are sufficient to reduce nitrification within areas highly frequented by cattle. A radio-isotope tracer technique is also being used to investigate mineralisation rates, sorption and desorption of the nitrification inhibitor within different spatial locations of dairy pastures. This will help to determine the appropriate application rates of DMPP required to reduce nitrification rates and N2O emissions from emission hot-spots in dairy pastures.