Livestock farming plays a crucial role in our society by providing us with essential dairy and meat products. However, the environmental impact of this industry cannot be overlooked. With the global population set to reach 10 billion people by 2050 and food demand expected to rise by 70%, it is imperative to find sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming.
In the United Kingdom, sheep and cattle production heavily relies on grass-based pastures that are fertilized with chemical nitrogen. The process of manufacturing one tonne of chemical nitrogen fertilizer can release up to eight tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To tackle this environmental challenge, the UK government has been actively supporting research initiatives to explore alternative methods that can reduce the use of fertilizers and emissions from the livestock sector.
Government support to unlock the potential of clover and other legumes
Clovers and other legumes have the unique ability to ‘fix’ their own nitrogen from the atmosphere and share it with grasses growing in the same field. This natural process can significantly reduce the need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers, thereby lowering emissions from livestock farming. Scientists at IBERS, a research institute at Aberystwyth University in Wales, are spearheading research to unlock the potential of clover and other legumes in sustainable farming practices.
New legume varieties developed by Germinal and Aberystwyth universities are more resilient to grazing by cattle and sheep, as well as extreme weather conditions influenced by climate change. In particular, Birdsfoot Trefoil, a legume containing tannins, has shown promise in reducing methane emissions from cattle and sheep. This research has the potential to revolutionize livestock farming practices globally and help countries in their efforts to reduce emissions.
Cut fertiliser use
Dr. Christina Marley from IBERS highlighted the benefits of utilizing clovers and other legumes to enhance nitrogen levels naturally in UK grasslands. By working closely with livestock farmers, researchers aim to understand the practical applications of these new legumes within real farming systems. The NUE-Leg project, a collaboration between various institutions and industry partners, is focused on achieving tangible results in reducing fertilizer usage and agricultural emissions.
Paul Billings, the managing director of Germinal UK & Ireland, emphasized the importance of finding sustainable alternatives to nitrogen fertilizers. While nitrogen is essential for growing grass, its production and application contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. The NUE-Leg project aims to maximize the nitrogen-fixing capacity of clovers and eliminate the need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers, presenting a transformative opportunity for grassland farming both in the UK and globally.
Project NUE-Leg a game-changer
The overarching goal of Project NUE-Leg is to achieve a threefold increase in the capacity of clovers to fix atmospheric nitrogen, potentially up to 300 kg per hectare per year. By eliminating the reliance on chemical nitrogen fertilizers, this project has the potential to revolutionize grassland farming practices and support farm profitability. The UK government’s funding support has been instrumental in advancing this critical research project to its next phase of on-farm testing and validation.
In conclusion, the research and development initiatives focused on harnessing the potential of clover and other legumes in livestock farming are crucial steps towards achieving sustainable and environmentally-friendly agricultural practices. By reducing the use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers and emissions from the livestock sector, we can work towards mitigating the impact of farming on the environment while ensuring food security for a growing global population. Let’s continue to support these innovative solutions that have the power to shape the future of sustainable agriculture.
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