Cattle production in Finland plays a crucial role in ensuring our country's security of food supply. The underutilization of nitrogen (N) in milk and beef production has drawn criticism, prompting the need for improvement due to its ecological and economic impacts. However, it is essential to recognize that many environmental factors affecting the Finnish cattle industry differ from those impacting global production. Therefore, presenting facts specific to the Finnish context is imperative to facilitate informed societal discussions. To reinforce the security of food supply, reducing dependence on nitrogen imported from Russia is essential. In this context, N-Fiksu has been devised as a strategic solution to address these challenges. Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in ruminant production can be achieved through various strategies, such as precise estimation of nitrogen release from manure, utilization of forage legumes in feed production, optimization of crude protein content in animal diets, and improved precision in nitrogen fertilization on peatlands. Collectively, these approaches could lead to a potential reduction in fertilization costs by approximately 40 to 90 million euros annually in Finland, and 5 to 10 million euros per year in the North Savo region. It is imperative to study nitrogen utilization under realistic conditions within the typical Finnish grass cycle, as numerous soil and growth processes, including greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen leaching, become apparent only after the long-term application of livestock manure. Achieving system-level optimization necessitates comprehensive modeling of the entire nitrogen cycle. N-Fiksu serves as a comprehensive platform encompassing all critical aspects of the nitrogen cycle within cattle production, including improving the utilization of nitrogen in cattle manure, leaching of nitrogen, carbon and other nutrients and gaseous emissions, better utilization of legume grasses, development of clover seed production, refinement of peatland fertilization. N-Fiksu cooperates with other projects dealing with the topic. The synergy among these projects not only complements each other's efforts but also facilitates mutual benefits, particularly in terms of advancing nitrogen model development and utilizing communication resources efficiently. The development of N-Fiksu project involved key industry players who are also participating in its funding. The project's outcomes are disseminated through various channels: 1) Interactive discussions within small groups facilitate knowledge sharing and experience exchange between farmers, advisors, educators and researchers. 2) Partner companies maintain direct communication with their contracted and pilot farms, employing effective tools for knowledge dissemination. 3) Collaborations with commercial software companies facilitate streamlined implementation. Increased transparency and acceptance of cattle production within society are fostered through Mediation journalism. The project aligns with the priorities outlined in the North-Savo regional program 2023-2024, focusing on areas such as Food, Bioprocessing, Climate, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Development. Additionally, it contributes to the objectives outlined in the North-Savo climate roadmap and the North-Savo JTF plan aimed at ensuring favorable agricultural operating conditions. The project is jointly implemented by the Natural Resources Institute, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and the National Land Survey of Finland.
