According to a new sustainability study of Irish farming for 2021, greenhouse gas emissions from Irish farms have continued to rise as livestock rates have increased.
The dairy sector’s greenhouse gas emissions increased last year due to an increase in average herd size, Teagasc 2021 Sustainability Report stated.
Dairy output and incomes also increased.
Greenhouse gas emissions from cattle, sheep, and tillage farms increased in 2021 as animal stocking rates increased.
Farmers spreading lime contributed to the total increase in emissions.
Lime is applied to the soil to enhance its condition, release nutrients, and reduce the need for extra nitrogen fertiliser.
Positive advancements are also mentioned by the report’s authors.
On a farm level and per hectare basis, ammonia emissions decreased in 2021 compared to previous years throughout the majority of farm systems.
Despite an increase in agricultural production, ammonia emissions, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, dropped on dairy farms on average in 2021.
The continued implementation of low-emissions slurry spreading is the driving force behind decreasing ammonia emissions (LESS).
LESS involves spreading slurry in lines direct to the soil surface or beneath the soil surface.
In aggregate terms, 48% of all slurry was applied using a LESS approach in 2021, compared to 38% in 2020. For dairy farms the comparable figure was 74%.
This week, a cross-industry dairy committee will meet again to try to reach an agreement on suggestions for Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue on how to first stabilise and then cut GHG emissions from the dairy sector.