A new scientific study provides "evidence" that a solution developed by an Irish biotech company can reduce methane emissions and improve grass growth.

According to the scientific study from researchers at Queen’s University Belfast treating slurry with GasAbate can cut greenhouse gas emissions while "boosting grass growth by up to 21%".

GasAbate was developed from initial scientific research stage through to commercialisation by GlasPort Bio.

The study, published in the Springer Nature publication Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, examined how slurry treated with GasAbate performed when applied to land, compared to untreated slurry and chemical fertiliser.

According to research, slurry naturally loses valuable nutrients during storage as gases are released into the atmosphere. These losses not only add to GHG emissions, but also reduce the fertiliser value of the slurry.

Study

In the study, GasAbate was added to stored pig slurry and was found to "significantly" reduce gaseous losses.

This in turn meant that more nutrients were retained before the slurry was applied to land.

Grass growth boost

To measure the impact on crop performance, researchers also carried out trials using perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne).

Across different soil types and multiple harvest they found that slurry treated with GasAbate produced better results than untreated slurry.

Key findings from the study included:

Grass dry matter yields increased by around 20-21%;
Improvements were seen across different soil types and throughout the growing season;
Grass grown with treated slurry also showed slightly higher chlorophyll levels - suggesting improved nutrient uptake and potential forage quality benefits.

Slurry storage

According to researchers, the findings show a link between cutting emissions during slurry storage and improving crop performance afterwards.

Methane and ammonia losses represent lost carbon and nitrogen — nutrients that would otherwise help grass growth. By reducing these losses, the study suggests, that GasAbate improves the fertiliser value of slurry.

GlasPort Bio believes the study is significant because it shows environmental measures taken during slurry storage can deliver practical "productivity gains" on farms, without requiring additional fertiliser inputs.