Short-term Response of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Precision Fertilization on Barley

Abstract

Precision fertilization is a promising mitigation strategy to reduce environmental impacts of N-fertilization, but the effective benefits of variable-rate fertilization have not yet been fully demonstrated. We evaluated the short-term response (23 days) of GHGs emissions following variable-rate fertilization on barley. Yields, biomass (grains + straw) and different N-use indicators (N uptake, grain protein concentration, recovery efficiency, physiological efficiency, partial factor productivity of applied nutrient, agronomic efficiency and N surplus) were compared. Four N fertilization treatments were performed: (i) conventional– 150 kg ha−1; (ii) variable with granular fertilizer; (iii) variable with foliar liquid supplement; (iv) no fertilization. According to proximal sensing analysis (Greenseeker Handheld) and crop needs, both variable-rate treatments accounted for 35 kg N ha−1. Cumulative GHGs emissions were not significantly different, leading to the conclusion that the sensor-based N application might not be a GHGs mitigation strategy in current experimental conditions. Results showed that both site-specific fertilizations ensured the maintenance of high yields with a significant N rate reduction (approximately by 75%) and a N use improvement. Variable-rate N fertilization, due to similar yields (~6 tons ha−1) than conventional fertilization and higher protein content in foliar treatment (14%), confirms its effectiveness to manage N during the later phases of growing season.

Greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions in modelled cereal crop production under Polish agricultural conditions: An example spring barley

“…In the structure of the share of GHG emissions in crop production, a significant source of this pollution is the use of mineral fertilisers (Fabbri et al, 2023). Emissions of GHG comes from N 2 O -due to its high greenhouse potential -from nitrogen fertiliser application.…”

Effect of Agricultural Production Trusteeship on Agricultural Carbon Emission Reduction

“…Other researchers have conducted relevant studies. Fabbri et al [47] found that precision fertilization can reduce nitrogen application by about 75%; Cillis et al [48] showed that conservation tillage can reduce CO 2 emission by about 56% compared with conventional tillage; Pretty and Bharucha [49] observed that comprehensive pest management projects can reduce pesticide use to 30.7%. The results of this study show that the best way for agricultural production trusteeships to reduce carbon emission is by reducing the use of fertilizers, and the second-best way is by reducing the use of agricultural chemicals.…”

Effect of Agricultural Production Trusteeship on Agricultural Carbon Emission Reduction

“…Other researchers conduct relevant studies. Fabbri et al ( 2022) [46] found that precision fertilization can reduce nitrogen application by about 75%; Cillis et al (2018) [47] showed that conservation tillage can reduce CO2 emission by about 56% compared with conventional tillage; Pretty and Bharucha (2015) [48] observed that comprehensive pest management projects can reduce pesticide use to 30.7%. The results of this study show that the best way for agricultural production trusteeship to reduce carbon emission is reducing the use of fertilizers, and the second best way is reducing the use of agricultural chemicals.…”