Effect of Agriculture on Climate change

How Agricultural Activities Contribute to Climate Change

Some of the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture are among the leading causes of global warming. They trap heat in the atmosphere. These include:

• Methane emissions from enteric fermentation of livestock, ruminants such as cattle and sheep

• Production of methane from waterlogged rice cultivation

• Nitrous oxide, a very potent GHG, released as fertilizer is used

• Cuts down carbon-absorbing forests due to the deforestation of farmland.

• Fossil fuel use in mechanical farming, transport, and irrigation

• Production of pesticides and fertilizers

Agriculture contributes to 10–12% of the global inputs of greenhouse gases. However, when indirect impacts of deforestation are added to it the total input may add up to even higher.

Agriculture's Impact on Climate Change in India

• More than half the country's population of India presently lives off agriculture as a source of livelihood.

• Agriculture forms a major share of greenhouse gas emissions from the country, primarily through rice paddies, mainly by releasing methane end.

• Livestock farming (methane from enteric fermentation)

• Burning crop residues, like stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, then emit carbon dioxide and particulate matter into the ecosystem.

Table: Sources of Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions in India

Climatic Change Impact on Agriculture

The impact of climate change on agriculture is described below:

Increased Temperatures

Higher global temperatures cause heat stress to crops, thus lowering their productivity. For instance:

• The yield of wheat and maize would decrease by 10–20% for each rise in temperature by 1°C.

• Even the quality of grains, fruits, and vegetables will degrade, and their nutritional values will also be impacted due to high heat.

Altered Rainfall Pattern

Monsoon is extremely crucial for Indian agriculture. However, erratic monsoon rain forms due to climate change, which leads to:

• Droughts in certain regions of the world, causing water shortages and crop failures.

• Flooding in another region creates soil erosion and damage to crops.

• Reduced supply of irrigation water as a result of water shortage.

Soil Degradation & Desertification

Climate change accelerates soil degradation in several ways:

• High temperatures lead to increased evaporation that dries soils

• Heavy rains during such extreme climatic events can strip away fertile topsoils

• Increased drought spells lead to desertification in vulnerable parts of the globe

Impact in India

India is a monsoon-dependent country and thus highly vulnerable to climatic change. Major impacts would include the following:

• Yields of staple foods, rice and wheat, are likely to have substantially reduced yields.

• The availability of water for irrigation will no longer be predictable, and regions like Punjab and Haryana will suffer from water stress.

• Destructive cyclones, droughts, and floods are causing extreme climatic conditions in the states of Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal and damaging crops.

Solutions – How to Reduce Agriculture’s Impact of Climate Change

Reducing climate change's impact on agriculture is crucial for sustainable food production and involves adopting practices that enhance resilience and minimize environmental harm.

Sustainable Farming

Sustainable farming has a tendency to minimize the effects of agriculture on climate change immensely. These include-

• Organic farming: Minimum use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides; that is likely to minimize the emission of nitrous oxide.

• Agroforestry: Planting trees on agricultural land in order to sequester carbon and prevent soil erosion.

• Conservation tillage: Minimization of soil disturbance preserves the soil structure, consequently reducing carbon release into the atmosphere.

Water Management

Water conservation through efficient irrigation systems that minimize stress during droughts. Techniques include:

• Drip irrigation: Releases water directly to the plant roots, thereby reducing water evaporation

• Rainwater Harvesting: Collected rainwater for dry use

Reduce Methane from Livestock

Several methods of reducing methane emission:

• Livestock diet improvement: Livestock with better food quality yields a lower release of methane while digesting.

• Chemical controls of methane: Use of feeding elements that can inhibit production and improve digestion in ruminants.

Crop Rotation & Diversification

• Crop rotation and agricultural diversity on a site enhance soil productivity and minimize pest incidence, and subsequently pesticide application.

Afforestation & Reforestation

• Reforestation revives biodiversity and tackles the direct consequences of historical deforestation for agricultural purposes.

Government Programs

In India, government programs have established some of the following initiatives:

• The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) features sustainability in farming.

• The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), focusing on the improvement of agricultural water use efficiency.

Tips & Tricks for Exams

• Study Aids: Find diagrams or flowcharts that could identify how human practices related to agriculture could be linked to climate change, perhaps focusing on details such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

• Mnemonics: Use a mnemonic like "CROP" - Carbon, Resources, Overuse, Practices to remember what aspects of agriculture contribute to climate change

• Multimedia: Find videos or animations that describe how climate change might affect agriculture, with examples of lower yields and changed agricultural practices.

• Real-Life Connection: Associate agricultural activities, for instance, overuse of fertilizers with real-life consequences, such as water pollution and changes in weather conditions.

• Flashcards: Flashcards can be used to memorize words like "sustainable agriculture," "soil erosion," and "carbon sequestration," and check how well you understand their relevance to climate change.

Weightage in Exams

MCQs on Agriculture & Climate Change

Q1. Which of the following greenhouse gases is primarily emitted from paddy fields?

1. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

2. Methane (CH₄)

3. Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

4. Ozone (O₃)

Correct answer: 2) Methane (CH₄)

Explanation:

Paddy fields remain waterlogged, creating anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic microbes (methanogens) decompose organic matter in the absence of oxygen and release methane (CH₄). This makes rice cultivation one of the major contributors of methane emissions in agriculture.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Methane (CH₄).

Q2. Excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture mainly contributes to the emission of:

1. Carbon dioxide

2. Methane

3. Nitrous oxide

4. Sulphur dioxide

Correct answer: 3) Nitrous oxide

Explanation:

Nitrogen fertilizers such as urea and ammonium nitrate undergo microbial processes like nitrification and denitrification in the soil. These processes release nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas nearly 300 times stronger than CO₂ in terms of global warming potential.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Nitrous oxide

Q3. Which of the following practices is NOT a sustainable farming technique to reduce climate change impact?

1. Crop rotation

2. Agroforestry

3. Conservation tillage

4. Stubble burning

Correct answer: 4) Stubble burning

Explanation:

Stubble burning releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and particulate matter into the atmosphere, contributing to pollution and climate change. In contrast, practices like crop rotation, agroforestry, and conservation tillage enhance soil fertility, conserve carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Stubble burning.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Pollution

• Eutrophication

• Types of Pollution

FAQs on Agriculture & Climate Change

How does agriculture contribute to climate change?

Agriculture contributes significantly to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Methane is released from livestock digestion and paddy fields, while nitrous oxide comes from excessive use of fertilizers containing nitrogen. Deforestation for agriculture and crop residue burning also release large amounts of carbon dioxide. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect. As a result, global warming and erratic weather patterns arise.

What are the impacts of climate change on Indian agriculture?

Indian agriculture is highly vulnerable because most crops depend on the monsoon. Climate change causes delayed or unpredictable monsoon rains, affecting sowing and harvest cycles. Wheat and rice yields have declined significantly. Water scarcity in Punjab and Haryana threatens irrigation. Frequent floods in Assam, Odisha, and Bihar damage crops, while droughts in Maharashtra and Rajasthan have affected the crop yield.

How can sustainable farming reduce the impact of agriculture on climate change?

Sustainable farming focuses on eco-friendly methods that maintain soil fertility and reduce emissions. Organic farming eliminates chemical fertilizers and hence reduction in nitrous oxide release. Agroforestry combines trees with crops, which helps in carbon sequestration and prevents soil erosion. Crop rotation and mixed cropping improve soil health and reduce pest outbreaks. Together, these practices make farming eco-friendly, and reduce the effects on climate.

How can methane emissions from livestock be reduced?

Methane is a major greenhouse gas released by ruminant livestock such as cattle and buffalo. It can be reduced by improving the quality of fodder to enhance digestion efficiency. Adding feed supplements like fats, oils, or certain seaweeds can suppress methane production in the rumen. Better manure management, such as biogas plants, can capture methane for energy use instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. Reducing herd sizes and adopting modern breeding techniques also lower methane intensity. These methods make livestock farming more climate-friendly.