scholarly journals Herbicide applications increase greenhouse gas emissions of alfalfa pasture in the inland arid region of northwest China

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9231
Author(s):  
Lina Shi ◽  
Yarong Guo ◽  
Jiao Ning ◽  
Shanning Lou ◽  
Fujiang Hou
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Arid Region ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Agricultural Crops ◽  
Forage Crop ◽  
Soil Uptake ◽  
Ghg Fluxes

Herbicides are used to control weeds in agricultural crops such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), which is a forage crop. It is unclear what, if any, effect herbicides have on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when used on alfalfa. Our study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to investigate the effects of two herbicides (Quizalofop-p-ethyl, QE and Bentazone, BT) on methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soil planted with alfalfa. QE is used to control grasses and BT is used for broadleaf weed control. Soil CO2 emissions and soil uptake of CH4 increased significantly in both years following the QE and BT treatments, although CO2 emissions differed significantly between the trial years. N2O emissions decreased relative to the control and showed no significant differences between the trial years. The application of QE and BT on alfalfa resulted in a significant increase in CO2 emissions which contributed to a significant increase in GHG emissions. The application of QE influenced GHG emissions more than BT. We demonstrated the potential effect that herbicide applications have on GHG fluxes, which are important when considering the effect of agricultural practices on GHG emissions and the potential for global warming over the next 100 years.

scholarly journals Application of Hydrochar, Digestate, and Synthetic Fertilizer to a Miscanthus x giganteus Crop: Implications for Biomass and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 8953
Author(s):  
Toby Adjuik ◽  
Abbey M. Rodjom ◽  
Kimberley E. Miller ◽  
M. Toufiq M. Reza ◽  
Sarah C. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Hydrothermal Carbonization ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Miscanthus X Giganteus ◽  
Synthetic Fertilizer ◽  
Ghg Fluxes

Miscanthus x giganteus (miscanthus), a perennial biomass crop, allocates more carbon belowground and typically has lower soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than conventional feedstock crops, but best practices for nutrient management that maximize yield while minimizing soil GHG emissions are still debated. This study evaluated the effects of four different fertilization treatments (digestate from a biodigester, synthetic fertilizer (urea), hydrochar from the hydrothermal carbonization of digestate, and a control) on soil GHG emissions and biomass yield of an established miscanthus stand grown on abandoned agricultural land. Soil GHG fluxes (including CH4, CO2, and N2O) were sampled in all treatments using the static chamber methodology. Average biomass yield varied from 20.2 Mg ha−1 to 23.5 Mg ha−1, but there were no significant differences among the four treatments (p > 0.05). The hydrochar treatment reduced mean CO2 emissions by 34% compared to the control treatment, but this difference was only statistically significant in one of the two sites tested. Applying digestate to miscanthus resulted in a CH4 efflux from the soil in one of two sites, while soils treated with urea and hydrochar acted as CH4 sinks in both sites. Overall, fertilization did not significantly improve biomass yield, but hydrochar as a soil amendment has potential for reducing soil GHG fluxes.

scholarly journals Drivers and Environmental Impacts of Vegetation Greening in a Semi-Arid Region of Northwest China since 2000

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 4246
Author(s):  
Zhenzong Wu ◽  
Jian Bi ◽  
Yifei Gao
Keyword(s):  
Arid Region ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Terrestrial Vegetation ◽  
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Dynamics Of Vegetation

The dynamics of terrestrial vegetation have changed a lot due to climate change and direct human interference. Monitoring these changes and understanding the mechanisms driving them are important for better understanding and projecting the Earth system. Here, we assessed the dynamics of vegetation in a semi-arid region of Northwest China for the years from 2000 to 2019 through satellite remote sensing using Vegetation Index (VI) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and analyzed the interannual covariation between vegetation and three climatic factors—air temperature, precipitation, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD)—at nine meteorological stations. The main findings of this research are: (1) herbaceous land greened up much more than forests (2.85%/year vs. 1.26%/year) in this semi-arid region; (2) the magnitudes of green-up for croplands and grasslands were very similar, suggesting that agricultural practices, such as fertilization and irrigation, might have contributed little to vegetation green-up in this semi-arid region; and (3) the interannual dynamics of vegetation at high altitudes in this region correlate little with temperature, precipitation, or VPD, suggesting that factors other than temperature and moisture control the interannual vegetation dynamics there.

scholarly journals Greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation potential of hybrid maize seed production in northwestern China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Liu ◽  
Wushuai Zhang ◽  
Xiaozhong Wang ◽  
Yanjun Guo ◽  
Xinping Chen
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Maize Seed ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Hybrid Maize

Abstract Although hybrid maize seed production is one of the most important agriculture systems worldwide, its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and potential mitigation measures have not been studied. In this study, we used life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify the GHG emissions of 150 farmers run by 6 companies in an area of northwest China known for hybrid maize seed production. The results indicated that the average reactive nitrogen (Nr) losses and GHG emissions from hybrid maize seed production were 53 kg N ha− 1 and 8077 kg CO2 eq ha− 1, respectively, which are higher than those of the conventional maize production system. Furthermore, the average nitrogen and carbon footprints of the process were 12.2 kg N Mg− 1 and 1495 kg CO2 eq Mg− 1, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer and electricity consumption for irrigation were the main contributors to high GHG emissions, accounting for 60% and 30% of the total, respectively. The GHG emissions from seed production for different companies varied greatly with their resource input. There was also a large variation in environmental burdens among the 150 farmers. Based on an analysis of the yield group, we found that the carbon footprint of the first group (the one with the highest yield) was 27% lower than the overall average. Scenario analysis suggests that a combined reduction of N input rate, optimizing irrigation, and increasing yield can eventually mitigate the carbon footprint of hybrid maize seed production by 37%. An integrated systematic approach (e.g., ISSM: integrated soil-crop system management) can reduce the GHG emissions involved in producing hybrid maize seeds. This study provides quantitative evidence and a potential strategy for GHG emissions reduction of hybrid maize seed production.

scholarly journals Measuring and mitigating agricultural greenhouse gas production in the US Great Plains, 1870–2000

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (34) ◽  
pp. E4681-E4688 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Parton ◽  
Myron P. Gutmann ◽  
Emily R. Merchant ◽  
Melannie D. Hartman ◽  
Paul R. Adler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Ghg Fluxes

The Great Plains region of the United States is an agricultural production center for the global market and, as such, an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article uses historical agricultural census data and ecosystem models to estimate the magnitude of annual GHG fluxes from all agricultural sources (e.g., cropping, livestock raising, irrigation, fertilizer production, tractor use) in the Great Plains from 1870 to 2000. Here, we show that carbon (C) released during the plow-out of native grasslands was the largest source of GHG emissions before 1930, whereas livestock production, direct energy use, and soil nitrous oxide emissions are currently the largest sources. Climatic factors mediate these emissions, with cool and wet weather promoting C sequestration and hot and dry weather increasing GHG release. This analysis demonstrates the long-term ecosystem consequences of both historical and current agricultural activities, but also indicates that adoption of available alternative management practices could substantially mitigate agricultural GHG fluxes, ranging from a 34% reduction with a 25% adoption rate to as much as complete elimination with possible net sequestration of C when a greater proportion of farmers adopt new agricultural practices.

scholarly journals Soil greenhouse gas fluxes from tropical coastal wetlands and alternative agricultural land uses

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 5085-5096
Author(s):  
Naima Iram ◽  
Emad Kavehei ◽  
Damien T. Maher ◽  
Stuart E. Bunn ◽  
Mehran Rezaei Rashti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Marsh ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Coastal Wetlands ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Ghg Mitigation ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Ghg Fluxes

Abstract. Coastal wetlands are essential for regulating the global carbon budget through soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas (GHG – CO2, CH4, and N2O) fluxes. The conversion of coastal wetlands to agricultural land alters these fluxes' magnitude and direction (uptake/release). However, the extent and drivers of change of GHG fluxes are still unknown for many tropical regions. We measured soil GHG fluxes from three natural coastal wetlands – mangroves, salt marsh, and freshwater tidal forests – and two alternative agricultural land uses – sugarcane farming and pastures for cattle grazing (ponded and dry conditions). We assessed variations throughout different climatic conditions (dry–cool, dry–hot, and wet–hot) within 2 years of measurements (2018–2020) in tropical Australia. The wet pasture had by far the highest CH4 emissions with 1231±386 mgm-2d-1, which were 200-fold higher than any other site. Dry pastures and sugarcane were the highest emitters of N2O with 55±9 mgm-2d-1 (wet–hot period) and 11±3 mgm-2d-1 (hot-dry period, coinciding with fertilisation), respectively. Dry pastures were also the highest emitters of CO2 with 20±1 gm-2d-1 (wet–hot period). The three coastal wetlands measured had lower emissions, with salt marsh uptake of -0.55±0.23 and -1.19±0.08 gm-2d-1 of N2O and CO2, respectively, during the dry–hot period. During the sampled period, sugarcane and pastures had higher total cumulative soil GHG emissions (CH4+N2O) of 7142 and 56 124 CO2-eqkgha-1yr-1 compared to coastal wetlands with 144 to 884 CO2-eqkgha-1yr-1 (where CO2-eq is CO2 equivalent). Restoring unproductive sugarcane land or pastures (especially ponded ones) to coastal wetlands could provide significant GHG mitigation.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Controlled-Release Fertilizer on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Efficiency of the Production of Chinese Cabbage

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakub Sikora ◽  
Marcin Niemiec ◽  
Anna Szeląg-Sikora ◽  
Zofia Gródek-Szostak ◽  
Maciej Kuboń ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Chinese Cabbage ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Functional Unit ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Reference Object ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Slow Release Fertilizers ◽  
The Impact

Optimization of plant fertilization is an important element of all quality systems in primary production, such as Integrated Production, GLOBAL G.A.P. (Good Agriculture Practice) or SAI (Sustainable Agriculture Initiative). Fertilization is the most important element of agricultural treatments, affecting the quantity and quality of crops. The aim of the study was to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the cultivation of Chinese cabbage, depending on the technological variant. The factor modifying the production technology was the use of fertilizers with a slow release of nutrients. One tonne of marketable Chinese cabbage crop was selected as the functional unit. To achieve the research goal, a strict field experiment was carried out. Calculation of the total amount of GHG emitted from the crop was made in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. The system boundaries included the production and use of fertilizers and pesticides, energy consumption for agricultural practices and the emission of gases from soil resources and harvesting residue. The use of slow-release fertilizers resulted in a greater marketable yield of cabbage compared to conventional fertilizers. The results of the research indicate a significant potential for the use of slow-release fertilizers in reducing agricultural emissions. From the environmental and production point of view, the most favourable variant is the one with 108 kg N·ha−1 slow-release fertilizers. At a higher dose of this element, no increase in crop yield was observed. At this nitrogen dose, a 30% reduction in total GHG emissions and a 50% reduction in fertilizer emissions from the use of per product functional unit were observed. The reference object was fertilization in accordance with production practice in the test area.

A Historical Analysis of the Environmental Footprint of Peanut Production in the United States from 1980 to 2014

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A. McCarty ◽  
S. Ramsey ◽  
H.N. Sandefur
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Historical Period ◽  
Significant Shift ◽  
Peanut Production ◽  
Year 2000

ABSTRACT The last half century has seen a significant shift in agricultural practices, affecting productivity, resource use, and ultimately, environmental impacts. These increases have been the result of several developments, including increases in irrigation, the expanded application of fertilizers and pesticides, improved plant genetics, and the development of mechanized operations. Changes in production practices are highlighted here for peanut crops for the years 1980 to 2014. This study uses a resource efficiency methodology from cradle-to-farm gate to examine land use, energy efficiency, soil erosion (water and wind), irrigation water usage, and environmental/greenhouse gas emissions. During the historical period, yields increased from under 2000 kg/ha in the Southwest and an average of 3000 kg/ha in the Southeast and Virginia-Carolina regions to over 4000 kg/ha across all regions. Most of this increase occurred after the year 2000. Overall trends of nitrogen fertilizer applications per planted hectare were increasing; however, chemical protections, fuel use and electricity associated with cultivation, harvest, and drying declined. Energy utilization per hectare and kg of peanut showed steady declines over the last 40 years, particularly in the Southeast and Virginia-Carolina production regions. Results indicated that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been on the decline across all production regions, from greater than 1 kg CO2e/kg peanut in the early 1980s to less than 0.6 kg CO2e/kg peanuts in 2013, a 40% decrease in GHG production.

scholarly journals Greenhouse gas emissions from boreal inland waters unchanged after forest harvesting

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (18) ◽  
pp. 5575-5594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Klaus ◽  
Erik Geibrink ◽  
Anders Jonsson ◽  
Ann-Kristin Bergström ◽  
David Bastviken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Aquatic Systems ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Inland Waters ◽  
Humic Lakes ◽  
Forestry Practices ◽  
Water Characteristics ◽  
Ghg Fluxes

Abstract. Forestry practices often result in an increased export of carbon and nitrogen to downstream aquatic systems. Although these losses affect the greenhouse gas (GHG) budget of managed forests, it is unknown if they modify GHG emissions of recipient aquatic systems. To assess this question, air–water fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were quantified for humic lakes and their inlet streams in four boreal catchments using a before-after control-impact experiment. Two catchments were treated with forest clear-cuts followed by site preparation (18 % and 44 % of the catchment area). GHG fluxes and hydrological and physicochemical water characteristics were measured at multiple locations in lakes and streams at high temporal resolution throughout the summer season over a 4-year period. Both lakes and streams evaded all GHGs. The treatment did not significantly change GHG fluxes in streams or lakes within 3 years after the treatment, despite significant increases of CO2 and CH4 concentrations in hillslope groundwater. Our results highlight that GHGs leaching from forest clear-cuts may be buffered in the riparian zone–stream continuum, likely acting as effective biogeochemical processors and wind shelters to prevent additional GHG evasion via downstream inland waters. These findings are representative of low productive forests located in relatively flat landscapes where forestry practices cause only a limited initial impact on catchment hydrology and biogeochemistry.

scholarly journals Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Soil Cultivated with Vegetables in Crop Rotation under Integrated, Organic and Organic Conservation Management in a Mediterranean Environment

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Bosco ◽  
Iride Volpi ◽  
Daniele Antichi ◽  
Giorgio Ragaglini ◽  
Christian Frasconi
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Crop Rotation ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Mediterranean Environment ◽  
Foeniculum Vulgare

A combination of organic and conservation approaches have not been widely tested, neither considering agronomic implications nor the impacts on the environment. Focussing on the effect of agricultural practices on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soil, the hypothesis of this research is that the organic conservation system (ORG+) may reduce emissions of N2O, CH4 and CO2 from soil, compared to an integrated farming system (INT) and an organic (ORG) system in a two-year irrigated vegetable crop rotation set up in 2014, in a Mediterranean environment. The crop rotation included: Savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. sabauda L. cv. Famosa), spring lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Justine), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. cv. Montebianco) and summer lettuce (L. sativa cv. Ballerina). Fluxes from soil of N2O, CH4 and CO2 were measured from October 2014 to July 2016 with the flow-through non-steady state chamber technique using a mobile instrument equipped with high precision analysers. Both cumulative and daily N2O emissions were mainly lower in ORG+ than in INT and ORG. All the cropping systems acted as a sink of CH4, with no significant differences among treatments. The ORG and ORG+ systems accounted for higher cumulative and daily CO2 emissions than INT, maybe due to the stimulating effect on soil respiration of organic material (fertilizers/plant biomass) supplied in ORG and ORG+. Overall, the integration of conservation and organic agriculture showed a tendency for higher CO2 emissions and lower N2O emissions than the other treatments, without any clear results on its potential for mitigating GHG emissions from soil.

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