What is the case?

Ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the air through emissions. All ammonia and nitrogen oxides emitted by various sectors (agriculture, traffic, industry) eventually return to the land or water through wet (rain) or dry (gravity) deposition. This enriches the soil (fertilisation), disrupting biodiversity in favour of nitrogen-loving plants. About two-thirds of all nitrogen deposition is NHy (NH3 and NH4+ combined), while the remaining third is NOx. Dairy farming is a significant source of nitrogen emissions.

What is the project doing about it?

The project aims to measure the reducing effect of the nitrogen cracker Gazoo on ammonia and methane emissions. The calculated claims must be substantiated by measurements. In the overarching project, measurements are carried out on 7 dairy farms, 5 of which are conducted by VHL. Using the N-Cracker, ammonium is extracted from manure according to the procedure in Figure 1, thereby reducing emissions into the air. VHL measures:

1. Direct ammonia and methane emissions;
2. Nitrogen concentrations in slurry and all products of the Gazoo;
3. Nitrogen circularity within the farm (feed, livestock, milk, manure, Gazoo products, NH3 emissions).

What does the project deliver?

The JOZ nitrogen cracker reduces ammonia emissions by 60-70% and also limits methane emissions at the source. This system enables circular agriculture by producing manure fractions that can be more easily exchanged with arable farmers and fellow livestock farmers. Additionally, the minerals can be better utilised on the farm itself. The business model primarily consists of preventing costly (inefficient) manure disposal and saving on fertiliser costs. With the necessary emission reductions, unprofitable barn modifications become unnecessary. Besides reducing barn emissions, ammonia emissions are also reduced by up to 75% during manure application.

Project details

Applied Research Group Leader: Robert Baars
Researcher-Lecturers: Esther Kapsoot, Ronald Zom
Project Duration: 2023-2025
Project Partners: JOZ, DLV, WUR, ILVO (Belgium), 7 dairy farms
SDGs: 13 and 15 (Climate Action and Life on Land)