A target has been set for 90% of slurry to be applied by Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) technology on Irish farms by the end of 2027.

Today (Wednesday, December 9) the national climate and air roadmap for the agriculture sector – entitled Ag Climatise – was launched.

It includes 29 actions with specific and challenging targets aimed at reducing the environmental footprint and further building on the strong credentials of Irish agriculture.

Action 1 of the roadmap sets out the plan to reduce chemical nitrogen use to an absolute maximum of 325,000t by 2030.

Chemical nitrogen use is responsible for approximately 40% of nitrous oxide emissions on Irish farms – also contributing to ammonia emissions, mainly through the application of urea-based fertilisers.

According to the report, chemical nitrogen use on Irish farms “peaked at 408,000t” in 2018.

Over 50% of chemical nitrogen usage is in the dairy sector and the department notes that this “must be a key focus area”.

Sector should target 50% reduction in nitrous oxide emissions

“Over the course of the next decade, the sector should target a 50% reduction in nitrous oxide emissions associated with chemical fertiliser use,” the document states.

The department outlines that a reduction in chemical nitrogen use to a maximum of 325,000t can be achieved by focusing on the following sub-actions:
  • Optimise delivery of online nutrient management planning for a user-friendly and practical experience for farmers;
  • A national liming programme for mineral soils to be rolled out by industry in 2021, contributing to improved nitrogen use efficiency for both organic and chemical fertilisers;
  • Support the use of non-chemical nutrients such as bio-based fertilisers and soil conditioners through greater visibility of the fertiliser marketing regulations;
  • Achieve a target of 60% of all slurry spread by low emissions slurry spreading by 2022; 80% by 2025; and 90% by 2027;
  • Where possible, apply organic manures in the spring;
  • From January 1, 2022, require all newly-constructed external slurry stores to be covered. In addition, all existing external slurry stores should be covered as soon as practically possible, but no later than December 31, 2027;
  • Require incorporation and maintenance of clover (and mixed species) in all grass reseeds by 2022, facilitating a reduction in chemical nitrogen use;
  • Where appropriate, consider use of leguminous crops.

Under Action 2 of the roadmap, the department outlines that where chemical fertiliser is applied, the use of protected nitrogen products is promoted.

The department outlines a target to prohibit the use of urea, replacing it with the use of a urease treated urea product (protected urea) by the end of 2023.

An aim to have 65% of straight calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) sales as protected urea / protected nitrogen by 2030 is also set out. The action should have a linear uptake over the decade, according to the department.

The department adds that in order to achieve these targets, the fertiliser industry will need to “work proactively with the agri-food sector”.

“An information portal on protected nitrogen products should be established and maintained.”