Canadian Fertilizer Institute announces Science Cluster to fund research into
reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using 4R Nutrient Stewardship on
Canadian farms

OTTAWA, Aug. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - A newly formed Science Cluster will fund research into reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using 4R Nutrient Stewardship on Canadian farms, the Canadian Fertilizer Institute announced today.

The Science Cluster has total funding of up to $240,000 over the next two years to provide matching support for scientific research projects in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Canadian fertilizer manufacturers will provide the funding as part of their continuing effort to reduce greenhouse gas emission at their facilities and among their farmer customers.

"We're excited to be making this contribution to reduce the carbon footprint of Canadian farmers when they use fertilizer," said Hugh Loomans, Chair of the Canadian Fertilizer Institute Board of Directors. "We're even more pleased that we'll be helping farmers get more value from every dollar they spend on crop nutrients."

Russ Holowachuk, Chair of the CFI's Environment committee, said Canadian manufacturing of potash and nitrogen fertilizer already employs world-class technology, so there are few opportunities for major GHG reductions at fertilizer manufacturing facilities.

"The Science Cluster will help farmers use their nitrogen fertilizer more efficiently. We are a science-based industry, so this project is a perfect fit."

The focus of the Science Cluster research program will be to measure the impact that best management practices under the Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place(TM) (4R) Nutrient Stewardship system can have on reducing Nitrous Oxide (N(2)O) emissions in crop production. N(2)O is a potent greenhouse gas.

CFI has been working with scientists to develop a Nitrous Oxide Emission Reduction Protocol (NERP) in the province of Alberta. The protocol will allow farmers in Alberta, and eventually other provinces, to receive offset payments by adopting best management practices for the application of nitrogen fertilizers. Because the science on N(2)O emissions is complex, the protocol has been conservative in estimating the potential GHG reductions.

The aim of the Science Cluster program is to increase those payments per acre by refining the scientific understanding of N(2)O emissions when farmers adopt best management practices.

Soil testing, sub-surface application, timing and the use of new technologies such as GPS and timed release products under 4R Nutrient Stewardship can improve plant uptake of nitrogen fertilizer and reduce losses of nitrogen to the air.

For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Catherine King, [phone], [email protected]