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Pig Farms Boost Nitrous Oxide Emissions, Study Reveals

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ammonia from large pig farms increases nitrous oxide emissions in nearby soils, according to researchers at the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture in Hubei Province, China.
As ammonia settles, it alters soil chemistry and promotes microbial activity that raises nitrous oxide production.
Laboratory tests show soils exposed to ammonia emit more nitrous oxide than soils exposed to other nitrogen forms, supporting the finding.

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Story summary

Ammonia from large pig farms increases nitrous oxide emissions in nearby soils, according to researchers at the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture in Hubei Province, China.
As ammonia settles, it alters soil chemistry and promotes microbial activity that raises nitrous oxide production.
Laboratory tests show soils exposed to ammonia emit more nitrous oxide than soils exposed to other nitrogen forms, supporting the finding.