Ammonia Volatilization Reduction From Mineral N Fertilizers In The Veneto Region: Combining Modeling And Field Approach

Ammonia (NH3) losses from nitrogen mineral fertilizers is a debated issue in Europe due to their contribution to fine particulate matter formation (PM2.5 and PM10 fractions). In particular, urea-based fertilizers can be lost as NH3 up to 70% under broadcast application. A number of Best Available Techniques (BATs) for preventing and reducing emissions have been recommended (NEC Directive 2016/2284/EU) even if large uncertainties still occur about their effectiveness at the site-specific level. The Life PREPAIR project aims to study reduction methods for NH3 emissions from urban to agricultural sources in the Po river basin, northern Italy, one of the most air-polluted area in Europe. Within the PREPAIR framework, the present study aimed to identify site-specific based BATs in the Veneto region, which allow to satisfy the UNECE benchmark for mineral fertilizers, namely a NH3 emission reduction of at least 30% compared to urea surface broadcast.