A recent study reveals that soil contributes approximately 15% to global climate warming through greenhouse gas emissions, primarily CO2, N2O, and CH4. Driven by agricultural practices and land-use changes, these emissions pose challenges to climate targets. The research calls for strategies to enhance nitrogen fertiliser efficiency and limit land-use changes to reduce emissions while increasing food production.
Recent research highlights the dual role of soil in climate dynamics, identifying it as both a carbon sink and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. This comprehensive study indicates that soil emissions account for approximately 15 percent of the global rise in climate warming, largely due to agricultural practices, land-use changes, and increasing food demand. The primary greenhouse gases emitted from soil include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, with CO2 being the most impactful contributor. Continued emissions posed significant challenges to achieving international climate targets that aim to limit global warming to 1.5-2°C above pre-industrial levels. Consequently, a multifaceted approach is necessary to balance food production with climate change mitigation strategies.
The relationship between soil and greenhouse gas emissions has garnered attention as scientists seek to understand the environmental impact of agriculture and land management practices. While soil plays a vital role in sequestering carbon, it simultaneously emits significant quantities of greenhouse gases, complicating efforts to reduce climate-warming effects. The urgency of this issue has intensified in light of global population growth and the corresponding need for increased food production, necessitating a thorough examination of soil’s contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, soil plays a critical yet paradoxical role in climate change as both a reservoir of carbon and a source of greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing the emissions from soil is crucial to mitigate global warming effects and meet international climate targets. Scientists stress the need for sustainable land-use practices to balance the growing global food demands with the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from soil, underscoring the importance of targeted environmental strategies.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
