REGIONAL DIFFERENTIATION AND POSSIBILITIES OF REDUCING AMMONIA EMISSIONS FROM AGRICULTURE IN POLAND

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper was to present ammonia (NH3) emissions from agriculture, on a regional scale, in 2017, and identify recommendable agricultural practices limiting ammonia emissions. The methodology used to estimate emissions was based on the approach of the National Centre for Emissions Management (KOBiZE). Analyses were based on statistical data of Statistics Poland (GUS), from 2017. The results of the conducted study showed significant spatial differentiation of ammonia emissions from agriculture. The region of Wielkopolska had the highest NH3 emissions at a level of 34.5 kg NH3 per ha UAA. Lower ammonia emissions were identified in the following regions: Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Łódzkie, Mazowieckie, Podlaskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie, between 20.3-24.7 kg NH3/ha UAA. In total ammonia emissions from agriculture, in Poland, 76.8% constituted emissions from the management of natural fertilisers. The Wielkopolskie and Podlaskie voivodships have a majority share in the emissions of ammonia from animal production – 29.1 and 21.3 kg NH3/ha UAA, respectively. Whereas, ammonia emissions from plant production in 2017 was 66 Gg, which equals 4.6 kg NH3/ha UAA. The highest emission of ammonia from plant production was detected in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Opolskie and Dolnośląskie voivodships, in regions characterized by the most intensive crop production. Estimated emissions were 6.9, 6.2 and 6.0 kg NH3/ha UAA, respectively. A reduction of ammonia emissions from agriculture can be obtained through the proper maintenance of livestock and natural fertilisers, and the implementation of low-carbon methods of the application of mineral nitrogen fertilizer.