GLOBAL ESTIMATES OF POTENTIAL MITIGATION OF GREENHOUSE-GAS EMISSIONS BY AGRICULTURE

Technologies to reduce net emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and ni trous oxide within the agriculture sector were reviewed to estimate th e global potential for mitigation of these radiatively active greenhou se gases. Our estimates of the potential reduction of radiative forcin g by the agricultural sector range from 1.15-3.3 Gt C equivalents per year. Of the total potential reduction, approximately 32% could result from reduction in CO2 emissions, 42% of carbon offsets by biofuel pro duction on 15% of existing croplands, 16% from reduced CH4 emissions a nd 10% from reduced emissions of N2O. Agriculture encompasses large re gional differences in management practices and rates of potential adop tion of mitigation practices. Acceptability of mitigation options will depend on the extent to which sustainable production will be achieved or maintained and benefits will accrue to farmers. Technologies such as no-till farming and strategic fertilizer placement and timing are n ow being adopted for reasons other than concern for climate change iss ues.