Benjamin Macartan

Project Title: Assess Impacts of Increased Circularity of Mixed Farming Systems on Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions from Manure Management in Dairy Production.

Overview: Growing global population has led to the need for increased food production to meet global demand. This has resulted in enhanced and specialised food production systems. Although, these measures has increased food output, they have also led to environmental issues such as increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions, declining water quality and biodiversity. For instance, agricultural activities are responsible for 99.4% of ammonia emissions in Ireland. Ireland is legally required to reduce ammonia emissions by 5% by 2030 when compared to the 2005 levels.

 Benjamin’s PhD research is focused on the dairy industry in Ireland, which has been on a steady rise in terms of productivity and cow numbers. Since dietary protein is a key determinant in the amount of Nitrogen lost through emissions. Benjamin will be utilising his experience in feed analysis, proximate analysis and livestock management to monitor and measure emissions from various feeds and feed additives.

 Benjamin will be measuring these emissions using high level, modern day equipment OTICE (Online Tool for monitoring Indoor barn Climate, animal stress and Emission) and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

 Benjamin has a Bachelor’s in Agriculture (Animal Science), an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security and an MBA degree.

Programme Area: Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme

Supervisors: Dr. Dominika Krol and Associate Professor Thomas Curran

Location: Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford

Funding Source: Teagasc