Methodology for Assessing the Level of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agricultural Crops Production

Abstract

The global rise in average environmental temperatures is associated with the emission of greenhouse gases due to human economic activities, including crop production. Current findings indicate the absence of a systematic approach and tools for a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from crop production. (Research purpose) The study aims to develop mathematical models and methods to assess greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural production. (Materials and methods) The work was carried out based on the analysis of published data from both domestic and international researchers. (Results and discussion) The research validates a set of indicators for assessing the level of greenhouse gas emissions during agricultural production. The novelty of the methodology involves the integration of numerous indicators and parameters of the greenhouse gas emission process, taking into account stochastic disturbances in the emission process. Factors such as soil tillage methods, fuel consumption per unit of work performed, the dose, method and ratio of applied fertilizers, content of plant residues and soil texture, as well as other variables, are considered as stochastic factors. Unlike the methodology outlined in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) for calculating greenhouse gas emissions from crop production, the developed methodology addresses more complex scenarios associated with processes containing simultaneously the elements that are both continuous and discrete in nature. As an example, the paper presents calculations for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from potato cultivation using the proposed methodology. (Conclusions) The calculated probability coefficient, with a value exceeding 2.21, indicates that the technology used does not meet environmental standards. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is necessary to develop technical and technological solutions that optimize the indicators utilized in this methodology.

Keywords

• climate change
• greenhouse gases
• crop production
• assessment criteria
• assessment methodology
• probability coeffi cient
• generalized indicators