Good cultivation practices to minimise nitrogen losses:
- The application time and quantity should be adjusted to the requirements of the crop to avoid untimely and incorrect nitrogen additions:
- The addition is planned and distributed based on the needs and stage of development of the crop.
- No additions outside the vegetative period or before set-aside.
- Adding excellent quantities according to a lubrication plan.
- · Adjustment of the fertilization program during the , vegetative period based on analyses.
- * Balanced plant nutrition in all , nutrients which promotes the effectiveness of nitrogen applications.
- · Year-round vegetation cover ( , nitrogen-fixing plants) , to avoid periods of bare soil.
- Effective use of organic fertilisers of animal origin and sewage sludge.
- Application in spring when plants can make better use of organic nitrogen.
- Addition using sophisticated techniques that allow for immediate integration to reduce losses.
- Incorporation of straw to stop inorganic nitrogen before winter.
- Cultivation of the soil in spring to avoid mineralization of nitrogen following autumn and winter cultivation.
Mineral fertilizers contribute to about 10% · Of the total emissions of , ammonia, however, there are differences between the different types of fertilisers. Urine and inorganic ammonium fertilisers have a greater potential to emit gas under specific conditions. * For inorganic fertilisers the average loss in the form of gaseous ammonia ranges from zero (for pure nitrate fertilisers) , 1-3% (for ammonium nitrate fertilisers) , 8% (for urea/ammonium nitrate solutions) more than 15% for superficially applied urea (ECETOC , 1994). ECETOC: European Center for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals.
The evaporation of ammonia shall be increased by:
- High soil pH
- Low regulatory capacity of H+
- High temperature/radiation
- High wind speed
The evaporation of ammonia shall be limited by:
- High filtration capacity
- High mineral content of clay
- Increase in organic carbon ( > 1.5% * Organic Carbon )
- Sufficient soil moisture
- Rainfall/irrigation after application
- Soil integration
Source: Kummer Karl-Friedrich (BASF AG) and Chris Dawson and Associates , (2003). Understanding Nitrogen and its Use in Agriculture. Published by European Fertillizer Manufacturers Association (EFMA).
