A new research facility supported through a Northern Ireland government-backed programme is set to advance work on nutrient management, water quality improvement and renewable energy generation from agricultural systems.
Global animal nutrition company Alltech has officially opened its expanded EU Applications Laboratory at its European headquarters in Dunboyne, Co. Meath.
The facility will serve as a centre for applied research focused on improving nutrient efficiency, reducing environmental impacts and supporting climate-smart farming practices.
The laboratory has received support through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry (SULS) project, which aims to reduce excess nutrients from livestock slurry and promote more sustainable nutrient management across Northern Ireland.
One of the key areas of research will be phosphorus management and water quality protection. Excess phosphorus from agricultural systems is recognised as a significant contributor to nutrient pollution in rivers, lakes and other freshwater environments.
The laboratory will investigate technologies and slurry treatment approaches designed to reduce phosphorus mobility and nutrient losses while improving nutrient retention within farming systems.
The research has particular relevance for Northern Ireland, where nutrient enrichment and declining water quality continue to be major environmental concerns.
Improved nutrient management practices could help reduce pollution entering rivers and streams that ultimately feed into sensitive water bodies such as Lough Neagh.
