A free online course is now available to help farmers and growers across the country reduce their agricultural ammonia emissions.

On offer from Basis, the course is designed to give farmers the knowledge and tools to reduce ammonia emissions from both manufactured fertilisers and organic materials.

The module will cover optimum applications and storage requirements and includes a mixture of video, audio and interactive learning. It will take about 45 minutes to complete.

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On completion, members will receive two Basis CPD points and two points are also available for NRoSO members.

Defra targets

This marks the next step in delivering Defra’s aim for industry to reduce ammonia emissions in England by 11,200t by 2025, funded and developed by the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC), CLA, Niab, Red Tractor and the NFU.

It will also support the industry’s drive to improve nitrogen use efficiency, which is of growing interest given the significant financial pressures on farm businesses.

Basis Registration chief executive officer Stephen Jacob said: “Ammonia lost to the air is nitrogen lost for plant growth. At the same time, ammonia emissions can negatively affect the environment and biodiversity.”

NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw added: “We are constantly looking for new and better ways of doing things. Educational modules like these are a great way to help the industry learn, develop and share best practice – ultimately giving farmers the tools to make the changes we need to make.”