Improved nitrogen management with eco-n nitrification inhibitor : an example of "growing for good"

Abstract

The recent report by the New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, called "Growing for Good", highlighted the adverse impacts that nitrate leaching can have on water quality. It called for a 'redesigning for sustainability' of New Zealand farming in order to reduce the impacts of intensive farming and achieve more sustainable farming systems. Reducing the leaks in the nitrogen cycle provides an opportunity to reduce the impact of dairying on the environment. The development of a new soil treatment method, called eco-n technology, can be used to improve the efficiency of the nitrogen cycle, reduce the environmental impacts of dairy farming and at the same time increase farm productivity. The development of 'eco-n' technology by Lincoln University and Ravensdown Fertiliser Co-operative Ltd is therefore a significant step towards 'redesigning for sustainability'. Our research results show that eco-n can: reduce nitrate leaching by 60%; reduce cation leaching by 50%; reduce nitrous oxide emissions (a potent greenhouse gas) by 75%; increase spring pasture production by 20%; and increase annual pasture production by 15% per year. This paper will cover the science behind the development of eco-n technology and the practical application of using eco-n technology.