Commentary and Discussion
Current Knowledge on Emissions of Methane and Nitrous Oxide from Agricultural Land
2011 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 2-10
Details
2011 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 2-10
Objective. This paper overviews current knowledge on emissions of methane（CH4）and nitrous oxide（N2O）from agricultural land.
Results and Discussion. Agricultural land use is identified to be a major source for atmospheric CH4 and N2O. It is pointed out that extended cultivation of paddy rice and dramatic increase in the consumption of fertilizer nitrogen have been significantly increased emission rates of CH4 and N2O, respectively. An emission database of rice fields in Asian countries were compiled and analyzed by a statistical approach. A large number of field measurements for CH4 and N2O conducted at various sites in the world was compiled as databases. Statistical analysis of these databases developed methodologies for estimating regional and global emission rates, such as those in the IPCC Guidelines. Results of the field measurement experiments also suggested promising mitigation options for agricultural emissions of CH4 and N2O.
Conclusions. The review of the research advance indicates the effects of agricultural emissions of CH4 and N2O on global warming and the potentials of mitigation options. Further studies and actions are needed to develop practical systems for extending the mitigation options to local farmers.
