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Agricultural industry

Ammonia Emissions from Poultry Farms Harm Soil Ecosystems

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study reveals that agricultural activities, particularly poultry farming, are a significant source of ammonia (NH3) emissions in the UK, responsible for 87% of the country's NH3 emissions. Researchers from the University of Reading found that high levels of NH3 emissions near poultry farms alter soil chemistry and microbial communities, highlighting the importance of understanding the impacts of NH3 on soil ecology. The study also emphasizes the potential of treebelts to intercept NH3 emissions and reduce their drift. Financial support for the research came from the Environment Agency, Natural England, and other organizations through the Ammonia Reduction by Trees (ART) project.

Key Takeaways:

  • Agricultural activities, particularly poultry farming, are a primary source of ammonia (NH3) emissions in the UK, accounting for 87% of NH3 emissions.
  • High levels of NH3 emissions near poultry farms significantly alter soil chemistry and microbial communities, reducing richness and changing the composition of fungal and bacterial communities.
  • Treebelts can be used to intercept NH3 emissions and reduce their drift, providing a potential solution to mitigate the impacts of NH3 on soil ecosystems.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the impacts of NH3 on soil ecology, particularly in the context of using treebelts to capture emissions.
  • The research concluded that higher NH3 concentrations closer to poultry housing significantly alter soil chemistry and microbial community composition.
  • The study identified soil pH decrease by 13% under the highest NH3 concentration.

Statistics:

  • 87% of ammonia (NH3) emissions in the UK come from agricultural activities, primarily poultry farming.
  • 13% decrease in soil pH under the highest NH3 concentration.
  • The study analyzed soil samples collected at varying distances from poultry housing to evaluate the effect of NH3 concentration.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings Reported from University of Reading Describe Advances in Poultry Farming (Ammonia Emissions From a Poultry Farm Drive Changes In Soil Biogeochemistry and Microbial Communities Along a Treebelt In Northern England). Agriculture Week. September 4, 2025; p 1672.
  • Ammonia Emissions From a Poultry Farm Drive Changes In Soil Biogeochemistry and Microbial Communities Along a Treebelt In Northern England. Applied Soil Ecology, 2025;213.

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