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AgricultureThe 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. Resources General information on climate and agriculture from CA-CP. Information on organic farming and CO2 from Rodale.
Consortium for Agricultural Soils Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases. |
