Nitrogen cycling and losses from dairy farms

The concern over leakage of nitrate into waters and loss of other forms of N to the environment demands an appraisal of N flows within complete systems. The grassland N cycle is complex, with interactive controls over fluxes and transformations, and has the potential for considerable losses. Although there are data from experimental systems, a total comprehension of flows is not yet possible. Intensive dairy farming has a number of opportunities for leaks. A 'model' system in SW England has an annual input of 25.6 tonnes of N: of this only 20% is transferred into protein or milk, a further 46% is lost to the wider environment, 34% is as yet unaccounted for and much is recycled. Recent research has provided new techniques to decrease losses. To meet the joint requirements of production and environmental concerns we need to consider N flows and supplies on an integrated, whole farm basis, and to take better account of mineral N in the soil profile in relation to current crop demand, local climate and past sward management.