Mitigation of nitrous oxide emission from dairy farming systems

Dairy farming systems are a major source of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission. The aim of our study was to explore the possibilities to reduce N₂O emissions from intensively managed dairy farming systems using a system analysis and literature data. Intensively managed grasslands are the dominant source of N₂O emission in dairy farming systems. There are several measures to mitigate N₂O emission from these grasslands, categorized in three broad groups: improved N fertilizer management, improved grassland management and improved management of livestock production. A reduction of N₂O emission from intensively managed dairy farming systems up to 70% may be achieved through implementation of a package ofmeasures to improve nitrogen (N) management, including refined N fertilizer application, reduction of NH₃ volatilization, restricted grazing, use of maize silage, and the use of clover as an alternative for N fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]