Table of elements
By Cassie Doherty,
As if we didn't have enough to worry about, the NY Times points out that carbon isn't the only chemical element playing a role in environmental change. Nitrogen apparently has a huge impact on the health of the planet.
The article goes on to explain that although nitrogen is necessary to life, too much of it (from over-fertilisation of crops for one thing) upsets the balance in waterways, causing such things as the uncontrollable algal bloom recently seen in China.
The article quotes several recent reports noting the dangers of nitrogen damage that call it "the missing greenhouse gas" and "more complicated than carbon". I guess no one said it was going to be easy ...
Comments
Vincent Heeringa
Nitrogen sure is a problem in NZ, thanks to the run-off of fertilisers on all our farms. Here's an excellent summary at the Ballance website.
http://www.ballance.co.nz/Education/Nitrification_inhibitors/Nitrification_inhibitors_-_the_basic…
One report from the NZBCSD suggests use of inhibitors could add millions to the economy. Benefits of the use of nitrification inhibitors may include:
• Improved pasture growth (10-15% based on Lincoln University studies)
• Potential for reduced fertiliser use
• less fertiliser for the same pasture growth
• Reduced N2O emissions (up to 70% based on Lincoln University studies)
• Reduced nitrogen leaching, and
• Potential for export of technology (licensing).
You can read the report online:
http://www.nzbcsd.org.nz/_attachments/SKM_NZBCSD_NZ_ETS_-_Business_Opportunities_Report__Final__J…
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