The potential for tree planting strategies to reduce local and regional ecosystem impacts of agricultural ammonia emissions

Abstract

Contact CEH NORA team at noraceh@ceh.ac.ukThe NERC and CEH trademarks and logos ('the Trademarks') are registered trademarks of NERC in the UK and other countries, and may not be used without the prior written consent of the Trademark owner. 1The potential for tree planting strategies to reduce local and regional ecosystem impacts of agricultural ammonia emissions

Alternative afforestation options on sandy heathland result in minimal long-term changes in mineral soil layers

“…Conifers are more efficient scavengers of atmospheric pollutants than broadleaves (Vanguelova and Pitman, 2019). Tree planting is advocated as an effective way to reduce the environmental impacts of ammonia emissions from agriculture, by increasing dry deposition and reducing the long-range export of pollutants (Bealey et al, 2016). Targeted tree planting can be used to scavenge pollutants at their source and protect more vulnerable semi-natural habitats.…”

Climate-Smart Chicken

“…Strategic planting of tree 'capture belts' downwind of the broiler sheds can also be an effective way to intercept the ammonia carried on the wind. In some cases this type of 'poultry agroforestry' has the potential to boost tree growth, and so carbon uptake, of the farm too [31].…”

Cleaning up nitrogen pollution may reduce future carbon sinks

“…In some circumstances, land sharing can also be beneficial to the conservation of biodiversity, e.g. by using tree shelter belts to protect sensitive habitats from excess N deposition near intensive farming locations (Bealey et al, 2016). Thus, coupling N r emission/deposition with C sequestration at regional scale can maximize the use of N r emission to mitigate global warming.…”