Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E018
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, E018 (2025)
Impact of agricultural practices on greenhouse gas emissions. A review
Karolina Sokal1*, Magdalena Kachel-Górecka1
1 Department of Machine Operation and Production Processes Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: karolina.sokal@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
The aim of review on greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture is to analyse the impact of different soil cultivation techniques and the use of organic and inorganic fertilisers, such as nitrogen fertilisers or manure, on the emissions of greenhouse gases and other substances harmful to the environment. Climate change is a serious environmental problem that affects people all over the world. As a result, measures are being taken to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and enable more efficient use of soil and machinery, while keeping production profitable. The National Inventory Report for 2024 states that Poland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2022 are estimated at 315.467 million tons. Agricultural activities significantly contribute to the emission of three GHGs: CO2, N2O and CH4. Soil tillage methods play a key role in the atmospheric emissions of these substances. The use of zero-tillage or reduced tillage techniques contributes to the sustainability of agriculture, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions without adversely affecting yields. Compared to traditional methods, no-tillage shows a significant reduction in methane (CH4) emissions. In addition, the abandonment of ploughing has the benefit of saving fuel and further reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is possible by improving the efficiency of energy inputs in agriculture. By using energy-efficient agricultural production technologies, fuel consumption in crop production can be reduced to the benefit of the environment. By using suitably modified technology, the overall level of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture can be reduced by up to one-third. Due to the depletion of fossil fuel resources and reports of their adverse effects on the climate and the environment, efforts have been made to explore alternative diesel fuel such as biodiesel. Polish agriculture is primarily a source of N2O emissions and accounts for 80.2% of total anthropogenic emissions of this gas. As far as total nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture are concerned, 83.7% came from land use (nitrogen fertilisation) and 15.24% originated from animal faeces management. However, it is recognised that the livestock sector is primarily responsible for emissions of CH4 and N2O – compounds with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) that is beginning to exceed that of CO2. This is 21 times higher for CH4 and 310 times higher for N2O than for CO2.
Keywords: greenhouse gas emission, agriculture, climate change, cultivation techniques
How to cite
K. Sokal, M. Kachel-Górecka, 2025. Impact of agricultural practices on greenhouse gas emissions. A review. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E018