The challenge

Synthetic fertilisers are heavily relied upon for crop production and are often used in excess to ensure high crop yields. This leads to increased emissions of the climate change-inducing gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Producing synthetic fertilisers is energy-intensive (accounting for 1% of global CO2 emissions) and thus costly. The UK’s dependence on imported expensive synthetic fertilisers (prices have nearly doubled since 2022) has contributed towards higher food prices and higher greenhouse gas emissions. 

What we're doing

This project aims to use existing measurement-based UK N2O emissions estimates to quantify excess nitrogen-based synthetic fertiliser (N-SF) usage across arable farming regions. These results could provide insight into whether reductions in UK N-SF usage could be made without compromising crop yield. Research in China found reducing fertiliser usage by ~11% did not substantially change domestic crop yields but reduced environmental impacts. We will adapt their method to see whether the same could be (theoretically) possible in the UK. 

The project aims will be achieved through interdepartmental and external collaborations with the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Wilsons Farm, Bristol; and Rothamsted Research. 

How it helps

Reductions in UK nitrogen-based synthetic fertilisers could thus potentially have a positive environmental impact and lead to improvements in domestic food security, while reducing the cost of food for producers and consumers. 

Investigators

• Dr Eric Saboya, School of Geographical Sciences 
• Dr Pete Falloon, School of Biological Sciences