Agri & Climate

Climate change is a major concern for agriculture. Experts say we can expect more draughts, storms, floodings and heatwaves. Not a very pleasant outlook for farmers who are so dependent on good climatic conditions for the production of food. Unfortunately agriculture also adds to the problem by emitting greenhousegases (GHG). The sector produces methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Calculation of the exact emissions is complicated compared to other sectors as agricultural activities involve emissions from biological processes but also sequestration as a result from these complicated processes.

Agricultural emissions are nevertheless estimated to account for more than 9% of the total EU-emissions in 2007. Agriculture is even the most important source of N₂O and CH₄ emissions in the EU. The storage of animal manure and the application of fertilisers (both mineral and organic) are mainly responsible for the emission of N₂O which is 296 times more harmful than CO₂. CH₄ emissions are mainly caused by stored animal manure and by livestock enteric fermentation. Methane is 24 times more harmful than CO₂.

But agriculture can play a major role in the fight against climate change: emissions can be reduced and carbon can be 'stored' agricultural soils. This is a major challenge for agriculture as farmers are also called upon to increase food production to feed an increasing world population. Research has come up with a variety of techniques that help reducing GHG emissions. In everyday farm practice some of these techniques prove to be not cost-efficient, difficult to implement in farm management or not suitable for a specific environment. The knowledge and experience from farmers therefore plays a major part in defining the most suitable practices!