Slow-release fertilizers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent

Precision agriculture is helping farmers be more exact with inputs, such as fertilizer, to help reduce excess nitrogen and greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing yields. The concept uses precise scientific data and new technologies to help farmers pinpoint what their crops need so that they can use the right product in the right amount, in the right place, at the right time.

Steve Watts of Genesis Crop Systems recently wrapped up a precision agriculture research project with support from Prince Edward Island (PEI) farmers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and researchers from Dalhousie University and the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land. Watts and the team studied the use of an enhanced efficiency dual inhibitor fertilizer product, called Superu, in potato crops.

This modern fertilizer provides nitrogen to plants as they need it over a period of time and reduces nitrogen loss from plants and soil. The research is part of Living Lab — Atlantic, a collaboration between AAFC, farmers and environmental organizations on PEI. Together, they address several key areas impacting farmers, including soil health, water quality management and crop productivity. The farming practices they are studying and expertise gained will be shared with farmers across Canada to increase adoption.

“Enhanced efficiency fertilizers provide nutrients to crops little by little and that can provide more efficient levels of nutrition over an extended period of time rather than the crop getting everything at once. It’s like giving crops three square meals a day instead of every meal at breakfast,” says Watts.

From 2019 to 2021, Steve set up several treatments including the grower standard fertilizer type and others with varying mixtures of standard and enhanced efficiency fertilizers.

Soil sampling and field results such as greenhouse gas emissions were measured by Watts, Kyra Stiles and her team from the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land at six participating farmer’s fields on a weekly basis before planting and throughout the season. Further analysis of greenhouse gas emissions was completed by Dr. David Burton and his team at the Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture and additional analysis by AAFC scientists at the Charlottetown Research and Development Centre.

The project revealed that farmers adopting the use of enhanced efficiency fertilizer could maintain their current potato yields and profitability at the same input costs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent or more.

Living Lab — Atlantic participating farmer, Vernon

Campbell, of Mull Na Beinne Farms Ltd is now a firm believer after having several of his fields involved in the research trials.

“Enhanced efficiency fertilizers are the way of the future and a win-win product for farmers and the environment,” says Campbell. “The first win is that it’s better for crop production getting nitrogen to plants when they need it throughout the season and the second win is in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions."

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada