Ammonia Emissions from Agriculture Disrupt Nitrogen Cycle

A new study by researchers at Colorado State University shows that ammonia emissions from agricultural processes disturb the earth’s delicate nitrogen cycle. Excess nitrogen leads to decreased biodiversity and soil acidification, among other negative ecological effects.

In past years, the focus on nitrogen build-up has centered on nitrogen oxides from fossil fuel emissions. Until now, little attention has been given to ammonia, which is produced by livestock waste and nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonia is not a regulated pollutant and is a “chemical precursor to many particulate matter pollutants that are harmful to humans,” according to Science Daily.

Jeffrey Collett, professor and head of Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science, states that policymakers must recognize the implications of ammonia in agriculture in addition to the nitrates produced by fossil fuel combustion. When it comes to nitrogen build up, agriculture is a major culprit we cannot afford to ignore.