N20 Reduction Models

and Potential Projects

N2O Reduction for GHG Credits

Nitrogen fertilizer reduction to decrease N2O

emissions

Tools include: MSU/EPRI, Nitrous Oxide Emission

Reductions Through Changes in Fertilizer Management

(using DNDC), IPCC Tier 1

Nitrogen tracking tools

Commonly used models include: DayCent and DNDC

Common Tools for Calculation of

Nitrogen Reductions in AgricultureDeNitrification/DeComposition (DNDC) Michigan State University/Electric Power Research

Institute (MSU/EPRI)

Applicability for projects Agriculture projects involving change in N practice. US projects only

Separate methods for applicability to all crops (Method

1) or to corn-row crop systems in North Central

region(Method 2)

Quantification method Run the DNDC model in Monte Carlo mode for direct

and indirect N2O.

Non-linear equation to correlate N rate and direct and

indirect N2O emissions.

Does not account for N from crop residues.

Baseline Run DNDC using 5 year historical average of data for

baseline

Approach 1 – uses 5 or 6 six years of farm-specific N

rate data.

Approach 2 – uses county level yield data (USDA-NASS)

to estimate N applied.

IPCC Tier 3- Uses project-level data 1. Uses default values

2. Uses empirically-derived data models

Ease of use Relies on us of process model (DNDC) designed for

research. Low level of guidance for N practice. Not

designed for compliance level of verification.

Developed by group with no protocol development

experience. Does not address 50% of N in corn-row

crop system, so cannot prove N managed well.

Developers promote this as ‘simple to implement’

protocol.

Land Based Project Types that

Reduce CO2, CH4, and/or N2O Emissions

Avoided Conversion (both Grassland/Shrublands and Forestry) to cropland

Nutrient Management (reduction of fertilizers)

No-till/Low-Till Practices

Livestock Grazing Practices

Rice cultivation using dry land or reduced water

Wetlands

Forestry: Improved Forest Management, Afforestation/Reforestation, and REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)