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Project Code [426]
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Project title
NBPT in grass based food:Ensuring food safety in grass systems using NBPT treated urea
Primary Funding Agency
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
Teagasc
Project Abstract
Nitrous oxide emissions, including from fertiliser nitrogen comprise over one-third of all agricultural emissions. Ammonia emissions, including from urea fertiliser, account for almost all of the national ammonia emissions. Ireland has committed to reduce both nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions. Simultaneously, Food Wise 2025 and Origin Green initiatives aim sustainably increase agricultural production. Yet, our commitments for emission reductions require reductions in absolute emissions. Fertiliser N technologies such as the urease inhibitor NBPT will allow Irish agriculture to reduce losses of both ammonia and nitrous oxide associated with N fertiliser usage in Ireland. Although many of these products are approved for use in Europe and some are in use in Irish agriculture there are some concerns regarding potential food safety, human health or trade reputation issues
This project seeks to
Evaluate the potential for uptake of these technologies by grass following application as ingestion of grass is the most likely route into an animal.
To test if NBPT can be detected in the milk of cows grazing pastures fertilised with nitrogen fertiliser treated with NBPT
To understand the fate of inhibitor technologies including NBPT in dairy processing
To conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of human health impact potential
Grant Approved
�599,941.00
Research Theme
Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options
Initial Projected Completion Date
30/06/2022