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CONTROLLING GASEOUS NITROGEN OXIDES FROM GRASSLAND FARMING SYSTEMS IN EUROPE

Objective



The interdisciplinary project Controling Gaseous Nitrogen Oxide emissions from Grassland Farming Systems (COGANOG) will synthesize existing and new knowledge to produce (i) accurate estimates of N20 and N0x emissions from grassland farming systems in Europe (ii) increased understanding of their controls, (iii) farm quality indicators and management options for the control and mitigation of these gaseous N oxide emissions, and (iv) a uniform and easy accessible data base of the measurements, models and management options. These expected achievements are of major importance, because it is suggested that intensively managed grasslands are major sources of N20 and N0x. These trace gases contribute to the greenhouse effect and have a key role in the stratospheric and tropospheric chemistry of ozone (03). It is postulated that N0x and N20 emissions can be reduced by proper grassland management.
COGANOG will bring together four partners from EU countries and one non-member state (Poland). The five partners represent:
(I) A unique blend of complementary skill and expertise in grassland farming systems, trace gas emission research, stable isotope analysis, soil scienc simulation modelling, whole-farm system analysis, and multiple goal optimization techniques,
(ii) A full representation of the major grassland types used for dairy farming
A schematic presentation of the five inter-related work packages, the practical useful project output and the intended users is given in Figure 2.1 (page 6). Five work packages with 2 to 3 tasks each are distinguished:
(I) Flux measurements in the field; monitoring and intensive field campaigns;
(ii) Determination of N and 0 stable isotope ratios to identify N20 and N0x sou
(iii) Controlling N20 and N0x emissions; identification of controlling factors;
(iv) Modelling and data base formation; (v) Whole-farm system analysis;
identification of management options and analysis of effects of CAP reforms. COGANOG launches an in-depth and integrated research effort along the major grassland farming systems in Europe, and will unravel the major controlling factors of gaseous N oxide emissions. The integration of experimental and modelling studies at different scales will secure the relevance of the studies and the accuracy of the predictions.
COGANOG will develop economically sound management options that reduce gaseous N oxide emissions. It will provide a rational basis for the reduction of these emissions on the basis of a whole farm system analysis. By comparing economic and environmental goals, it will also explore which farming system is most satisfactory. Transfer of knowledge and technology to an Eastern European country is a possible side effect.
The projects results are intended to be used by agricultural and environmental policy decision makers, scientists, advisory services and ultimately farmers. The results will be made available to these target user groups by various publications, presentations, workshops and easily accessible data bases.

Call for proposal

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Coordinator

A.B. - D.L.O.
EU contribution
No data
Address
P.O. BOX 129
9750 AC HAREN
Netherlands

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Total cost
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Participants (4)