Carbon Management
Introduction
Research findings indicate that agriculture is an important source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Significant contributors include:
- Fertilisers, natural and man-made
- Livestock emissions
- Manure management methods
- Soil and biomass management practices
- Power consumption and transport of agricultural inputs
It is predicted that emissions from agriculture are set to increase as more land is brought into cultivation to feed the world, and as increasing prosperity drives meat consumption.
Political and market motivation for environment sustainability is beginning to demand that agriculture manage its contribution to carbon emissions.
Although little work has been done on reducing emissions relative to other industries, many opportunities hold the prospect of valuable commercial returns, and can be pursued through co-operation and collaboration. Examples:
- Improving efficiency of machinery and fuel use
- Improving management of fertiliser and manure
- Growing biomass as a renewable fuel source to replace fossil fuels
- Converting fuels and manure to electricity and heat.
All of these can make a positive contribution to farm financial performance, environmental sustainability and society's needs.