<p align="justify">
Comprehensive research undertaken in NZ has already demonstrated that nitrification inhibitors provide a potent method for reducing N<sub>2</sub>O emissions from urine patches deposited on pasture during winter. Research funded by the&nbsp;NZAGRC addresses the challenge of optimising these inhibitors so that their effectiveness and longevity is increased. Research is also being undertaken to better understand denitrification processes and better quantify the relationship between urine N concentration and N<sub>2</sub>O emissions. The portfolio of research is completed by a project on how much N<sub>2</sub>O is emitted by plant leaves and a project exploring the potential to produce high agronomic value forages with a nitrogen content more in line with the requirements of ruminant animals. 
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<span class="h5"><br />
Goals &amp; Objectives</span> 
<p align="justify">
The N<sub>2</sub>O programme focuses on manipulating some of the <strong>N inputs</strong> that drive the quantity of N<sub>2</sub>O released and on manipulating the <strong>processes</strong> that form and release N<sub>2</sub>O. 
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<p align="justify">
Manipulating <strong>N inputs</strong> investigates ways to reduce N inputs through plant breeding/selection and plant management (Objective 2.1). Manipulating <strong>processes</strong> will address the challenge of optimising nitrification inhibitors so that their effectiveness and longevity is increased (Objective 2.2). Research will also be undertaken to determine the impact of soil amendments on the denitrification process and the N<sub>2</sub>O/N<sub>2</sub> ratio (Objectives 2.3). Finally, the programme will investigate ways to mitigate N<sub>2</sub>O emissions through better understanding its relationship with soil physical characteristics and soil water status (Objective 2.4).
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<p>
<img src="user/image/large/170/N2O programme.jpg" border="0" alt="N2O objectives" title="N2O objectives" width="566" height="377" />
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<p>
<span class="h5"><strong><a name="people" title="people"></a></strong><br />
People</span> 
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<p>
<span class="h5"><strong><a name="capability" title="capability"></a></strong><br />
Capability</span> 
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<p>
<span class="h5"><a name="outcomes" title="outcomes"></a><br />
Linkages</span> 
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<p>
<span class="h5">Stories</span> 
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