Fluxes of Reactive Nitrogen and Greenhouse Gases from Arable Land in South-Western Ukraine

2021 ◽  
pp. 225-235
Author(s):  
Sergiy Medinets ◽  
Nataliia Kovalova ◽  
Alla Mileva ◽  
Olga Konareva ◽  
Yevgen Gazyetov ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
James K. Drackley ◽  
◽  
Christopher K. Reynolds ◽  

This chapter examines the impact of improving feed efficiency on the environmental impact of livestock production. It starts by discussing the relation between greenhouse gases and dairy production, highlighting how important it is to the dairy sector to find ways of decreasing greenhouse gas output. The chapter then moves on to discuss the origins of methane and reactive nitrogen excretions in ruminants. A section on improving feed conversion efficiency is also included, which is then followed by a review of the nutritional practices that can be used to enhance feed conversion efficiency and decrease methane excretion. The chapter also examines the nutritional practices that can be used to increase milk protein efficiency and nitrous oxide excretion as well. Discussions on genetics and feed conversion efficiency and postabsorptive metabolism and feed conversion efficiency are also provided.


Author(s):  
Ju. M. Zhukova ◽  
M.Yu. Zavarzina ◽  
T.M. Prokhorova

Climate change, namely global warming, remains at the forefront of the global environmental debate. At present, the international Paris Agreement, which aims to maintain the average temperature of the planet, is in force. The Russian Federation develops, annually updates, publishes and provides a national inventory of anthropogenic emissions and removals by sinks of all greenhouse gases. Each region shall annually conduct an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and removals on its territory. According to international recommendations and methods for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and removals, the base year should be 1990, because then it becomes possible to carry out an analysis for a multi-year period. Different methodological bases and instructions of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources are used to estimate GHG emissions and removals. Inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and removals in Kaluga region for the period 1990, 2012-2017 was conducted by JSC "Research Institute of Atmosphere", and for 2018 – LLC Ecoanalitika. The amount of absorbed greenhouse gases was considered for such land categories as forest land, arable land, fodder land, lands of settlements and special purpose lands. GHG emissions were estimated by the sectors "Energy" (Section I), "Industrial Processes and Product Use" (PIP) (Section II), "Agriculture" (Section III) and "Waste" (Section IV). The calculation of greenhouse gas emissions may be of varying complexity. The higher the level of complexity, the more accurate the results. Presented data for 1990, 2012-2018 show that GHG emissions excluding absorption increased by 5 per cent, while emissions excluding absorption decreased by 38 per cent. The presented chart shows that the largest amount of emissions is in the Energy Sector. The results of the assessment of GHG emissions and removals should be used in planning the development of the annual inventory.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Martani ◽  
Marcello Pilla ◽  
Andrea Ferrarini ◽  
Stefano Amaducci ◽  
Astley Hastings

<p>Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important carbon pool sensitive to land use change (LUC). There are concerns that at the end of PECs cultivation cycle, the re-conversion of these crops back to arable land could negatively impact the SOC stock. However, a positive effect of reconversion on SOC is possible, due to the high amount of C added to the soil with the disruption of belowground biomass (BGB) during re-conversion process. In this study, C storage potential in SOC and BGB of six perennial energy crops (PECs) was measured in a 11 years old field trial in Italy before its reconversion to arable land. SOC dynamics and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission were measured in the first two years after the reconversion. SOC and GHG measurements were compared to ECOSSE soil carbon model predictions (run for a LUC from arable land to PECs and re-conversion to arable land) to understand SOC dynamics. After 11 years of cultivation, PECs significantly increased SOC stock respect to arable land. In average, BGB accounted for the 68% of total carbon stocked by PECs. The ECOSSE soil carbon model successfully simulated the dynamics of SOC pool and the GHGs emissions from soil after the re-conversion of PECs.</p>


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley C. van der Graaf ◽  
Richard Kranenburg ◽  
Arjo J. Segers ◽  
Martijn Schaap ◽  
Jan Willem Erisman

Abstract. The nitrogen cycle has been continuously disrupted by human activity over the past century, resulting in almost a tripling of the total reactive nitrogen fixation in Europe. Consequently, excessive amounts of reactive nitrogen (Nr) have manifested in the environment, leading to a cascade of adverse effects, such as acidification and eutrophication of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and particulate matter formation. Chemistry transport models (CTM) are frequently used as tools to simulate the complex chain of processes that determine atmospheric Nr flows. In these models, the parameterization of the atmosphere-biosphere exchange of Nr is largely based on few surface exchange measurement and is therefore known to be highly uncertain. In addition to this, the input parameters that are used here are often fixed values, only linked to specific land use classes. In an attempt to improve this, a combination of multiple satellite products is used to derive updated, time-variant leaf area index (LAI) and roughness length (z0) input maps. As LAI, we use the MODIS MCD15A2H product. The monthly z0 input maps presented in this paper are a function of satellite-derived NDVI values (MYD13A3 product) for short vegetation types (such as grass and arable land) and a combination of satellite-derived forest canopy height and LAI for forests. The use of these growth-dependent satellite products allows us to represent the growing season more realistically. For urban areas, the z0 values are updated, too, and linked to a population density map. The approach to derive these dynamic z0 estimates can be linked to any land use map and is as such transferable to other models. We evaluated the resulting changes in modelled deposition of Nr components using the LOTOS-EUROS CTM, focusing on Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. The implementation of these updated LAI and z0 input maps led to local changes in the total Nr deposition of up to ~ 30 % and a general shift from wet to dry deposition. The most distinct changes are observed in land use specific deposition fluxes. These fluxes may show relatively large deviations, locally affecting estimated critical load exceedances for specific natural ecosystems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 38-42
Author(s):  
Ramil Khafizov ◽  
Farit Khaliullin ◽  
Kamil Khafizov ◽  
Azat Nurmiev ◽  
Stanislav Sinickiy ◽  
...  

The article provides an overview of the state of the art related to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during the operation of mobile machine-tractor units in the agricultural sector of the economy. Sources of greenhouse gas emissions are considered. It was revealed that a huge amount of greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere due to intensive soil cultivation, while the emission of CO2, NOX and CH4 is many times higher than the emission of these gases from fuel combustion in the engines of machine and tractor units. However, taking into account the large areas of arable land in the Russian Federation, reducing the emission of greenhouse gases with exhaust gases (OG) of engines is an urgent task. The article discusses the composition of the exhaust gases of a diesel engine and methods of binding environmentally harmful substances, considers ways to reduce the emission of toxic components of exhaust gas. It was revealed that of the gases contributing to the formation of the greenhouse effect on the ground, up to 10% of exhaust gases contain carbon dioxide. In this regard, the ways of reducing the emission of carbon dioxide from the engines of machine-tractor units are being analyzed, the tasks of research on the binding of CO2 in soil and plants are set, by using some chemical fertilizers as substitutes, for heating the soil at the time of sowing and activating the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms in it. It is stated that one of the ways to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere is to search for ways to reduce direct and indirect energy costs during the operation of machine-tractor units, including by reducing crop losses due to incorrectly selected parameters of tractors and agricultural machines, neg


2020 ◽  
Vol 116 (9/10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michiel M. Scholtz ◽  
Frederick W.C. Neser ◽  
Mahlako L. Makgahlela

There is a general perception that ruminants produce large quantities of greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming. Sometimes percentages are quoted out of context. For example, the percentage quoted for developed countries indicates the greenhouse gas contribution from livestock is less than 6%, while that for developing countries is 40–50%. However, the reason for this relatively low contribution from developed countries is because of very high contributions from other sectors. Ruminant production also is in the spotlight as it is the world’s largest user of land and South Africa is no exception. Only ruminants can utilise areas of non-arable land where the vegetation is rich in fibre and convert this fibre into high-quality nutrients for human consumption. Foods from animal sources (including ruminants) are essential for the human diet, as they support early childhood and cognitive development. Many rural households depend on ruminants and these animals are central to the livelihoods and well-being of these communities. The negative effects of red meat on human health and the negative environmental impact of livestock production are overemphasised, while the higher bioavailability of nutrients from livestock source foods, which stimulates mental and cognitive development compared to vegetarian or grain based foods, is ignored. Here we estimate that livestock are responsible for only 4% of the world’s greenhouse gases through methane production. We also highlight that if the high fibre vegetation is not utilised by livestock, it will still produce greenhouse gases through burning or rotting, without any benefit to humans. Livestock source foods are important if global nutritional, educational and economic needs are to be met; and this message should be conveyed to the public.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2451-2474
Author(s):  
Shelley C. van der Graaf ◽  
Richard Kranenburg ◽  
Arjo J. Segers ◽  
Martijn Schaap ◽  
Jan Willem Erisman

Abstract. The nitrogen cycle has been continuously disrupted by human activity over the past century, resulting in almost a tripling of the total reactive nitrogen fixation in Europe. Consequently, excessive amounts of reactive nitrogen (Nr) have manifested in the environment, leading to a cascade of adverse effects, such as acidification and eutrophication of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and particulate matter formation. Chemistry transport models (CTMs) are frequently used as tools to simulate the complex chain of processes that determine atmospheric Nr flows. In these models, the parameterization of the atmosphere–biosphere exchange of Nr is largely based on few surface exchange measurement and is therefore known to be highly uncertain. In addition to this, the input parameters that are used here are often fixed values, only linked to specific land use classes. In an attempt to improve this, a combination of multiple satellite products is used to derive updated, time-variant leaf area index (LAI) and roughness length (z0) input maps. As LAI, we use the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MCD15A2H product. The monthly z0 input maps presented in this paper are a function of satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values (MYD13A3 product) for short vegetation types (such as grass and arable land) and a combination of satellite-derived forest canopy height and LAI for forests. The use of these growth-dependent satellite products allows us to represent the growing season more realistically. For urban areas, the z0 values are updated, too, and linked to a population density map. The approach to derive these dynamic z0 estimates can be linked to any land use map and is as such transferable to other models. We evaluated the sensitivity of the modelled Nr deposition fields in LOng Term Ozone Simulation – EURopean Operational Smog (LOTOS-EUROS) v2.0 to the abovementioned changes in LAI and z0 inputs, focusing on Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. We computed z0 values from FLUXNET sites and compared these to the default and updated z0 values in LOTOS-EUROS. The root mean square difference (RMSD) for both short vegetation and forest sites improved. Comparing all sites, the RMSD decreased from 0.76 (default z0) to 0.60 (updated z0). The implementation of these updated LAI and z0 input maps led to local changes in the total Nr deposition of up to ∼30 % and a general shift from wet to dry deposition. The most distinct changes are observed in land-use-specific deposition fluxes. These fluxes may show relatively large deviations, locally affecting estimated critical load exceedances for specific natural ecosystems.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra M. Collins ◽  
Neal R. Haddaway ◽  
Biljana Macura ◽  
James Thomas ◽  
Nicola Randall ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a vital step in limiting climate change and meeting the goals outlined in the COP 21 Paris Agreement of 2015. Studies have suggested that agriculture accounts for around 11% of total greenhouse gas emissions and the industry has a significant role in meeting international and national climate change reduction objectives. However, there is currently little consensus on the mechanisms that regulate the production and assimilation of greenhouse gases in arable land and the practical factors that affect the process. Practical advice for farmers is often overly general, and models based on the amount of nitrogen fertiliser applied, for example, are used despite a lack of knowledge of how local conditions affect the process, such as the importance of humus content and soil types. Here, we propose a systematic map of the evidence relating to the impact on greenhouse gas flux from the agricultural management of arable land in temperate regions. Methods Using established methods for systematic mapping in environmental sciences we will search for, collate and catalogue research studies relating to the impacts of farming in temperate systems on greenhouse gas emissions. We will search 6 bibliographic databases using a tested search string, and will hand search a web-based search engine and a list of organisational web sites. Furthermore, evidence will be sought from key stakeholders. Search results will then be screened for relevance at title, abstract and full text levels according to a predefined set of eligibility criteria. Consistency checking will be employed to ensure the criteria are being applied accurately and consistently. Relevant studies will then be subjected to coding and meta-data extraction, which will be used to populate a systematic map database describing each relevant study’s settings, methods and measured outcomes. The mapping process will help to identify knowledge gaps (subjects lacking in evidence warranting further primary research) and knowledge clusters (subjects with sufficient studies to allow a useful full systematic review), and will highlight best and suboptimal research methods.


Author(s):  
Bozhena Ivanytska ◽  

In the second half of the XIX century Western Ukrainian lands suitable for agricultural development could not provide their inhabitants with adequate well-being. Moreover, famine often prevailed in the region, and poverty raged. Ukrainians, who made up the majority of the rural population of the region, were particularly affected: almost 80% [7, p. 4]. Government statistics at the time tried to prove that all conditions were created for Western Ukrainian peasants to ensure their well-being. At the same time, for example, the following figures were used: peasants owned 62.2% of the land area, while large landowners, mostly Austrians, Poles, Germans, Jews and other peoples, only 37.8% of agricultural land. It would seem that Ukrainian peasant farms, which had the majority of arable land in their use, could prosper. However, the other side of this statistic was not mentioned: first of all, it was hidden that the best lands belonged to the owners of large farms. In addition, there were 3,734 communities in the areas used by the majority of peasants. Therefore, if we compare the size of the area of a large landowner and the average peasant economy, the peasant economy was 320 times smaller than the agricultural land of a large landowner. At the end of the 40s of the XIX century in almost all European countries the economic crisis deepened, mass strikes began. Governments became increasingly helpless, unable to control the situation. Political demands began to be put forward more and more often to the economic demands of the workers and peasants. The spirit of revolution hovered in the air. And soon it began. The revolutionary events that swept Europe in the spring of 1948 brought the peoples of Europe hope for a better future. The consequence of this revolutionary upsurge was the abolition of serfdom in the Austrian Empire, which also ruled Western Ukraine. First of all, the Ukrainian intelligentsia, which was based on priests, teachers, and lawyers, began active social and political work. However, the majority of the population still stayed away from politics: neither its general education nor their financial situation contributed to participation in the national movement. That is, the «Spring of Nations» still did not contribute to the «mass, widespread awakening of the national consciousness of the Ukrainian people of Galicia, Bukovina, Transcarpathia» [17, p. 15]. This required a lot of effort, first of all to inform the nation competently and politically about what educated people had to do [22].


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