The sources of emissions from agriculture are many. But they need to be recognized in two major types: above-ground carbon and below-ground carbon.

Tilling the soil, harvesting crops, composting, and the everyday lives of farm animals are all sources of above-ground carbon. To the degree that these sources can be reduced, they should be. No- or minimum-till techniques are available for minimizing some of these emissions. Likewise important to explore for universities with large herds of domesticated animals - methane and other digesters that convert off-gases into fuel (thereby reducing their carbon equivalency).

Other significant culprits are below-ground carbons from machinery fuel, building heating and cooling, equipment power, and hydrocarbon-based, petrochemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

The use of biodiesel, wind, and solar energy on farms are all important alternatives to be integrated into a Campus Climate Action Plan. Also, explore options for changing to organic farming techniques, reducing the use of petrochemicals and increasing the carbon uptake of the soil.