The data collected almost nationwide as part of the QPlus programs for the years 2025 and 2026 will be reviewed, harmonized, statistically analyzed, and updated annually in the future. This includes considerations such as animal husbandry, housing and husbandry systems, as well as the storage, treatment, and application of manure.
The project focuses particularly on ammonia emissions from livestock farming and manure management. Since agriculture accounts for the vast majority of Austria's ammonia emissions, current, reliable, and regionally differentiated activity data are essential for accurate national emissions reporting. This data also forms the basis for calculating greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector.
Tihalo IV builds upon the previous surveys Tihalo I, II, and III, expanding them through more comprehensive data collection and in-depth statistical analysis. The data for 2025 and 2026, already collected almost nationwide through livestock farming associations as part of the QPlus programs, will be systematically reviewed, harmonized, and analyzed. Subsequently, this data will be updated annually to provide an even better and more timely representation of changes.
This includes information on animal husbandry, housing and husbandry systems, storage and treatment of manure, and its application. A particular focus is placed on the regional analysis of the data. By assigning data to NUTS regions and individual farm sizes, differences between farm structures, husbandry practices, and manure management in Austria can be better represented. This improves the quality of the Austrian air pollutant inventory and makes the development of agricultural emissions more transparent.
The project results provide an important basis for evaluating emission-reducing measures and for the further development of funding and advisory services. At the same time, they enable a better assessment of long-term developments in Austrian livestock farming and manure management. Tihalo IV thus contributes to the technically sound support of national and European reduction targets, particularly in the area of ammonia.
The project is important for science and administration as well as for advisory services and agricultural practice. It contributes to making emission calculations more transparent, up-to-date and reliable, and supports the development of effective measures for a sustainable, lower-emission agriculture.
