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Landcare Research scientists are heading a new international network which will predict greenhouse gas emissions from farming and forestry practices.
Professor Surinder Saggar and Dr Donna Giltrap will lead the DNDC (denitrification-decomposition) network designed to estimate nitrous oxide and methane emissions from cropping, pasture and forestry.
Professor Saggar said the network would include a broad range of scientists around the world who measure and model the soil-atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide.
"By hosting a new website and co-ordinating the network, Landcare Research and New Zealand will be demonstrating a leadership role in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions research."
Professor Saggar said the network would enable New Zealand researchers to be well connected with the international community interested in the application and development of models for agricultural greenhouse gases.
Jointly funded by Landcare Research and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the network was open to all researchers, scientists and Government and private agencies as well as to educational institutions interested in farm greenhouse gas emissions.
They will use data on climate, soils, and management practices, modified and adapted by Landcare Research for New Zealand grazed pastoral systems.
The adapted version has already been used to simulate nitrous oxide emissions from dairy and sheep-grazed pastures.
The research helps countries to efficiently account for their greenhouse gas emissions and r plan how to reduce them.
