N2O reduction models and land-based project types that reduce emissions.

1. N20 Reduction Models
and Potential Projects

2. 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

3. Common Tools for Calculation of
Nitrogen Reductions in Agriculture
DeNitrification/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.

4. 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)