Search the EPA Research Database
Project Search Result
Project Code [2019R521]
This information is correct as of today and is updated from time to time by the EPA to reflect changes in the management of the project. Please check back regularly for updates.
Project title
LoCAM-dairy: Lowering the carbon and ammonia footprints of pasture-based dairy production
Primary Funding Agency
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
Teagasc
Project Abstract
Since phasing out of the milk quota there has been a >50% increase in milk output from dairy farms with a concomitant increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions contrary to national emissions reduction targets. More dairy cattle (cows and replacements) mean more methane, from rumen fermentation, and more nitrous oxide (a very potent GHG) and ammonia emissions from their excreta. National Fertilizer N use has increased, increasing national nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions. There are possibilities for lowering emissions from dairy farms. The objective is to evaluate a Low Carbon & Ammonia (LoCAM) System of milk production. The LoCAM system uses a range of best available 'off the shelf' technologies to halve GHG and ammonia emissions while maintaining current levels of milk output per ha and profitability. This project will involve the assessment of productivity, profitability, nutrient losses to aquatic systems, GHG and ammonia emissions from the LoCAM System compared with standard practice (Control System) and national averages. Both systems consist of 24 dairy cows and replacements. Fertilizer N will not be applied to the LoCAM system and soil N supply will be primarily maintained by biologically fixed N (BFN) from pasture legumes, which has much lower GHG and ammonia emissions than applied fertilizer N, and by efficient recycling of slurry. Methane will be lowered by using high economic breeding index (EBI) cows with traits for high output of milk solids and low replacement rate. External inputs to the LoCAM system will be minimised. Ecosystem carbon dioxide emissions and changes in soil carbon will be measured and modelled. Emission factors for nitrous oxide, methane and ammonia from BFN and carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide from reseeding will be determined. The economic and environmental implications of the more widespread adoption of the LoCAM system will be evaluated.
Grant Approved
�599,820.52
Research Theme
Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/10/2023