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carbon neutrality and agriculture( thematic report of january)

by Dolma Diki Sherpa | 07-02-2022 03:01 recommendations 0

It is defined as a process of balancing the production and removal of CO2 to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emission. If we reduce carbon emission instantly, extra or additional CO2 will cause global warming continuously. Global warming is affecting every aspect of the environment such as snowmelt, biodiversity extinction, sea-level rise, drought, the emergence of insect pests, etc. We should not only be concerned to reduce carbon emissions but also discovering a solution for the energy crisis. We should replace fossil fuel energy with a renewable source of energy such as hydropower, solar, nuclear energy. A decrease in energy consumption and the use of the energy-efficient method will solve the problem of both energy crisis and carbon emission. Tree plantation and forest management are low-cost methods to increase carbon sink in the land. Carbon neutrality will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also solve the energy crisis and improvement in air quality.

Photosynthesis will remove CO2 from the atmosphere and converts it to organic carbon. Respiration will decompose organic carbon and release it into the atmosphere. CO2, NO2, and methane gases are primary greenhouse gases that are associated with agriculture. A small amount of NO2 and methane can be retained for a longer duration so it has a significant impact on climate change. Greenhouse gases are emitted mainly by producing nitrogenous fertilizers, burning fossil fuels and wastes. A large quantity of CO2 is absorbed by the soil. Various agricultural practices which contribute to a reduction of greenhouse gas emission and carbon sequestration are given below.

 

1)Conservation agriculture

The main objective of Conservation agriculture is to preserve crop residue of the previous crop on the soil surface. Tillage reduction will minimize soil disturbance and ultimately decrease the release of CO2 from soil to the atmosphere.

 

2) organic farming

The use of organic manure, cover crops, and green manure will eliminate the production and transportation of synthetic fertilizers.

 

3) improvement in water use efficiency and fertilizer use efficiency will reduce nitrous oxide emissions.

 

4) Large quantities of methane and NO2 are used in livestock waste treatment. Anaerobic digestion will capture methane to convert waste into energy. It will prevent to release of methane into the atmosphere.

 

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  • Dormant user Dolma Diki Sherpa
 
 
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2 Comments

  • Hannah Mentor says :
    Hello Dolma, this is your mentor Hannah.

    Great organization of article on how agriculture can achieve carbon neutrality.
    I guess all four of those agricultural practices can be applied at the same time.
    Do you think agriculture can be regarded to have carbon absorbtion, because the crops absorb CO2?

    Thank you for your great article and please keep up with your wonderful work :)

    Sincerly,
    Hannah

    Posted 07-02-2022 23:45

  • Joon Mentor says :
    Hello Dolma, this is your mentor Joon.

    Indeed, the major problem behind carbon neutrality is that no matter how much we pursue carbon neutrality, it turns out to the issue of energy transition. In order to reduce the usage of fossil fuels, electric motors should be provided not mechanical engines which uses fossil fuels. Also, there should be a transition of energy generation system. In current condition, which generation by fossil fuel is widely spread, we cannot aim for Carbon Zero. It would only be possible by the time all the generation is done without using fossil fuels.

    Well read your article, and let's keep up!

    Best,

    Joon

    Posted 07-02-2022 16:20

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