Fostering win-win farming practices to reduce nitrogen pollution and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract

This paper examines the potential synergies between German nitrogen and green-house gas (GHG) mitigation policies in the agricultural sector. Agricultural practices aimed at reducing air (ammonia) and water (nitrates) pollution can have beneficial effects on GHG mitigation (nitrous oxide and methane) taking into consideration the nitrogen cycle and biogeochemical pathways. This study reviews the effect of nitrogen practices on GHG emission based on the IPCC guidelines and the UNECE Guidance document on integrated sustainable nitrogen management, and identifies win-win practices. The report gives an overview on available mitigation measures and assessed their impact on N-based and methane emissions.