Research project Reduction of ammonia emissions in organic livestock farming

General introduction

For organic pig, poultry and goat farms, the RAMBIO project conducted a comprehensive test of existing conventional AEA techniques and PAS (nitrogen) measures against organic farming legislation. Organic farms are also required to follow the nitrogen legislation. There is now a structured report with applicable and inadvisable measures for ammonia reduction in organic pig, poultry, and goat farms, including bottlenecks, advantages, and knowledge gaps as presented in the report "Screening of Ammonia Emission Reduction Measures for Applicability in Organic Livestock Farming and Recommendations for Further Research". This report provides the needed guidance for livestock farmers and policymakers;

Research approach

After the review of common measures (compatibility with organic farming legislation or not), the literature review on usability within organic farming and the determinations of practical and economic applicability (through discussions with the sector and experts), the researchers categorized the measures. All measures were structured according to emission reduction principle, potential, bio-compatibility and feasibility to make clear which options present opportunities and which do not. Finally, knowledge gaps were identified.

Relevance/Valorization

The need for concrete data on ammonia emissions and specifically tailored reduction measures for organic livestock farmers still remains. The RAMBIO report provides important guidance for both livestock farmers and policymakers in the search for sustainable and feasible ammonia reduction measures within the organic sector. The research showed that concrete, applicable solutions remain limited and that further studies are needed to develop effective measures. This has led to a follow-up project (BOWIE), which includes the development of a measurement method for naturally ventilated barns with outdoor access and further investigation of the effects of organic farming practices, such as temperature influences and lower stocking densities.