Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas that plays a significant role in global warming and climate change. Agriculture is the main source of nitrous oxide emissions, due to the use of nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen Variable Rate Technology or NVRT is a promising fertilization method that applies nitrogen fertilizer only where and in the amount the crop actually needs. By avoiding fertilizer overuse, NVRT could help reduce nitrous oxide emissions from farming. However, it is not yet fully understood how much NVRT can reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
Maurizio Comandone is a PhD student in Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph focussing on reducing nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils through Nitrogen Variable Rate Technology (NVRT) and dual inhibitor fertilizers. With his research, Maurizio aims at helping Canadian farmers reducing their fertilization costs, increasing their nitrogen use efficiency, and improve their overall farm profitability. Moreover, his research contributes to finding viable ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Maurizio’s project is part of the Canadian Nitrous Oxide Network and is being completed in collaboration with Olds College in Alberta.