Agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a major factor in climate change. As we deal with the challenges of climate change and its widespread effects, examining the environmental impact of farming practices is more crucial than ever.
While the agriculture field fuels the world, its practices also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Arkansas State University (A-State) recognizes the need to incorporate sustainable practices into agriculture for the longevity of the field and global populations. Its online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agriculture in Agricultural Studies program tackles these issues, especially the impact of climate change on the agricultural industry.
Pinpointing the Culprits: How Agriculture Creates Greenhouse Gases
A Resources for the Future article sheds light on the basic elements of agricultural GHG emissions. While fossil fuels often dominate discussions, agriculture releases three key culprits: carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). N2O and CH4 have a much stronger warming effect than CO2, necessitating their measurement in “carbon dioxide equivalent” (CO2e) for a more accurate representation of their impact.
Understanding the interplay between agriculture and greenhouse gases is the first step in improving and modernizing current processes. Identifying the specific sources of agricultural GHG emissions is vital for developing solutions, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service outlines these roles.
- Fertilizer application: Synthetic fertilizers boost crop yields but are a significant source of H2O. During their breakdown in soil, some nitrogen converts to N2O and escapes into the atmosphere.
- Manure management: Improper storage and handling of livestock manure allows methane to escape into the atmosphere during decomposition.
- Land-use change: Clearing forests and natural ecosystems for agriculture releases the carbon stored in vegetation and soil, increasing CO2 emissions.
- Rice production: Paddy rice cultivation creates ideal conditions for methane-producing bacteria. These bacteria thrive in the flooded fields, releasing significant amounts of methane.
Professionals armed with greenhouse gas knowledge excel in the agriculture field with the necessary awareness to sustain the industry, address global demands and protect the planet’s available resources.
How Climate Change Threatens Agriculture
Climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and extreme weather events like droughts and floods can disrupt crop yields, reduce soil fertility and spread pests and diseases. This creates a vicious cycle, and struggling agricultural systems may resort to practices that further increase GHG emissions. For example, increased reliance on synthetic fertilizers to maintain productivity in degraded soils can exacerbate N2O emissions.
Fortunately, solutions exist to address agricultural GHG emissions and create a more sustainable future for food production. The following are a few examples:
- Improved practices: Promoting techniques such as reduced tillage (minimal soil disturbance), cover cropping (planting additional crops between main crops) and precision agriculture (targeted application of resources) can improve soil health, reduce fertilizer use and enhance manure management — all leading to lower emissions.
- Technological innovation: Investing in research and technologies that capture or utilize agricultural emissions for productive purposes can be a game-changer. Anaerobic digesters, for instance, capture methane from manure and convert it into biogas, a renewable energy source.
- Developing climate-smart agriculture (CSA): The World Bank promotes this holistic approach, which encourages practices that achieve a “triple win.” These wins include increased agricultural productivity, enhanced adaptation to climate change and reduced GHG emissions.
A Collective Responsibility for a Sustainable Future
Agriculture professionals have an obligation and necessity to continually improve the industry and remain abreast of modern best practices. For example, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) emphasizes the importance of accurate measurement for effective mitigation strategies. It advocates for nuclear techniques in measuring agricultural emissions due to several benefits:
- High accuracy: Nuclear techniques provide precise data, allowing for better tracking of emission changes over time.
- Specificity: These techniques can isolate specific emission sources, enabling targeted mitigation efforts.
- Wide applicability: Nuclear techniques can be used across various agricultural settings, making them a versatile tool.
The World Bank defines the achievement of the “triple win” of CSA as the simultaneous accomplishment of three goals:
- Increased roductivity: enhancing agricultural production to meet the demands of a global population
- Enhanced adaptation: helping farms adapt to the changing climate and the extreme weather events it brings
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: lowering agriculture’s contribution to climate change
Reduce the Impact of Agriculture on Climate Change With an Online Degree From A-State
A-State’s online B.S. in Agriculture in Agricultural Studies program equips graduates with knowledge in basic agriculture and modern sustainability practices that combat climate change and foster green solutions. For example, courses like Introduction to Plant Science and Regenerative Agriculture Fundamentals focus on environmental and agroecological elements in the industry.
Agriculture’s emissions are a pressing issue, but there’s hope. Programs like A-State’s prepare future farmers and agriculture professionals for the challenge. By working together, policymakers, researchers and farmers can develop innovative solutions that make agriculture more climate-friendly and sustainable.
Learn more about A-State’s online B.S. in Agriculture in Agricultural Studies program.