Emissions and what to do about them
Emissions from Using Your Own Fertilizer
and How Humic Acids Can Help Reduce Them
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a natural byproduct of processes in soils and oceans that result from bacterial nitrification and denitrification, and is an integral part of the nitrogen cycle. Despite its relatively low concentration compared to CO2, it is one of the three main greenhouse gases and is responsible for approximately seven percent of anthropogenic global warming. To minimize the impact of the climate crisis, nitrous oxide emissions must be reduced, and humic acids have played a significant role in this for decades.
The importance of nitrous oxide to climate is enormous
Atmospheric nitrous oxide concentrations are currently around 20 percent higher than pre-industrial levels. A significant share of global emissions, nearly two-thirds, come from agriculture, and the trend is increasing. This is a significant problem, as nitrous oxide has a global warming potential 300 times greater than carbon dioxide.
Nitrous Oxide Emissions – Anthropogenic and Growing
The main agricultural source of nitrous oxide emissions is the use of mineral and organic fertilizers and crop residues. Emissions from organic fertilizers in particular are significantly higher than those from mineral fertilizers. According to international studies, the growing demand for food and animal feed due to the growing world population and changing eating habits has led to a global increase in nitrous oxide emissions in recent decades, primarily as a result of increasing livestock numbers.
The Problem of Overfertilization
One of the main problems is the excessive application of fertilizers, which exceeds the ability of plants to absorb them. This is partly caused by the large volumes of organic fertilizers produced by large livestock populations and applied to fields. In addition, nitrous oxide emissions are affected by climate conditions and overall soil health, as well as fertilization methods.
Emission Reduction Strategies
For example, in Europe, it has been shown that reducing nitrous oxide emissions is possible, as emissions there have been declining for decades, contrary to the global trend. Precise application of fertilizers and precise determination of the fertilizer requirements of plants play a key role here, which minimizes nitrification. The humus balance of the soil and the composition of organic fertilizers should also be taken into account. Reducing the livestock population can also reduce the amount of manure produced and improve the nitrogen balance. A supportive legal framework is needed to implement these measures in a feasible manner.
Inhibition of nitrification with humic acids
Adding nitrification inhibitors to fertilizers can reduce nitrification and thus nitrous oxide emissions from organic fertilizers. Participants at the International Fertilizer Processing Conference on Lake Constance in 2009 confirmed that lignite-based products such as humic acids are among the most effective means for manure treatment. They can reduce emissions by up to 99 percent. Products such as POWHUMUS® WSG 85, with a high content of humic substances, are particularly effective in adsorbing harmful gases and odors and contribute to the production of high-quality manure.
Additional benefits of humic acids
In addition to reducing nitrous oxide emissions, humic acids also reduce emissions of other harmful gases such as methane, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia by 99 percent. Research from the Lausitz University of Applied Sciences shows that the odour units of slurry treated with humic acids are reduced by 75 percent in just a few hours. Humic acids also improve soil quality after fertilisation by stimulating soil biology, increasing nutrient availability and optimising the water balance in the soil-plant system.
Humic acid-based products can play a central role in a comprehensive strategy for adapting agriculture to climate change. Their ease of use and safe mode of action make them valuable partners for fertile soil and reduced emissions.
