Nitrogen Fertilizers
Rice Cultivation
Manure Managment
Livestock Digestion
Sources of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture
Manure is the waste produced by farm animals like cows, pigs, chickens, and horses. When manure is stored in large piles or lagoons, bacteria called methanogens break it down, releasing methane into the atmosphere. Since there are so many farm animals worldwide, manure contributes significantly to methane emissions. Watch the video to learn how farms are finding sustainable ways to manage and repurpose manure.
Manure Management
Rice Cultivation
Rice grows best in flooded fields, which unfortunately creates a perfect home for bacteria that don't need oxygen. These bacteria break down organic matter in the soil, and as they do, they release methane gas. It's kind of like how we breathe out carbon dioxide, but these bacteria "breathe out" methane. Because rice is grown in huge flooded fields all over the world, this adds a lot of methane to the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. Start watching the video at 1:58 to learn more about this issue and how we can help prevent it.
Livestock Digestion
Ruminants are a type of herbivorous animal with a single stomach divided into four compartments. Examples include cattle, sheep, and goats. Click on the image and watch the video to learn how these animals produce methane and what can be done to reduce their emissions.
Nitrogen Fertilizers
Image source: https://kslnewsradio.com/utah/summer-brings-threat-of-harmful-algal-blooms-to-utahs-lakes/2013966/
Utah Lake's harmful algal blooms are fueled by excess nitrogen.
Fertilizers help plants grow, but nitrogen-based fertilizers also release greenhouse gases. When applied to soil, microbes convert them into nitrous oxide (N₂O). Additionally, if excess fertilizer washes into rivers and lakes, it can cause harmful algal blooms, which threaten both humans and wildlife. Click on the image below to explore the 4 R’s of nutrient stewardship, a strategy to ensure crops get the nutrients they need while preventing excess nitrogen from harming the environment.