Nitrous oxide (N2O) in the atmosphere is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).

Soil freeze and thaw spike nitrous oxide emissions

Science Notes: Computer simulation aims to determine hotspots

Nitrous oxide (N2O) may be much less abundant in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2), but it is 300 times more potent.  University of Illinois and University of Minnesota have documented an overlooked but crucial timeframe for nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in U.S. Midwest agricultural systems: the non-growing season. “Nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils […] Read more

Fertilizer emissions: it’s in the details

Fertilizer emissions: it’s in the details

Technical discussion now begin on proposed emissions reductions plans for agriculture in Canada

Glacier FarmMedia – The federal Liberal government’s online consultation on its proposed 30 per cent reduction of nitrous oxide emissions closed Aug. 31 but the issue will continue to be examined during technical discussions beginning this month. The issue became politicized through the summer as Conservative MPs referred to it as an impending fertilizer ban […] Read more

Federal officials have proposed several ways to cut emissions, including more adoption of the 4R nutrient program (right rate, right source, right time and right place).

University of Guelph scientist slams fertilizer emissions plan

Financial incentives and more cost-effective testing for researchers and farmers is needed, he says

Glacier FarmMedia – A scientist from the University of Guelph says the federal government is rushing its plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer. Other scientists are concerned the plan could contribute to the urban/rural divide where city dwellers view farmers as bad guys who are trying to destroy the planet. Why it […] Read more

dairy cattle

Dairy’s gap on the map to net-zero

The sector's net-zero plan banks on technology not yet available

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) has a goal to reach net zero on carbon emissions but admits the plan to get there doesn’t exist. Not yet, at least. “It kind of reminds me of JFK saying, ‘by 1969, we’ll have a man on the moon’ and they hadn’t invented rockets yet,” said DFC director Korb […] Read more

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development says countries must spend less money on market-distorting agricultural subsidies and more on innovation if farmers are to meet new yield and emission reduction targets.

Global farmers told they must do more with less

An OECD-FAO outlook sets new targets of a 28 per cent yield increase and six per cent emission reduction

Glacier FarmMedia – Global agricultural production systems must be transformed if the world is going to eliminate hunger by 2030, according to a new report. A 28 per cent increase in agricultural productivity is required to meet that objective, according to an agricultural outlook report released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) […] Read more




A report from the Smart Prosperity Institute says a well-targeted, comprehensive package of policies is needed for the agriculture sector to promote economic growth while reducing environmental harm.

Debating carbon decrease priorities

There’s debate among agriculture organizations on how to measure the sector’s contributions

Should agriculture’s decreases in carbon emissions be based on intensity of use per unit of food, or measured in the total volume of reductions? That’s the crux of a philosophical discussion happening in agriculture and showcased by competing reports on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Why it matters: How farmers are required […] Read more


Incentives, in addition to continued education efforts, will be important for meeting GHG emission reduction targets, U of G researchers say.

Reduced fertilizer emissions possible through incentives

Better application technology, more widespread 4R management and better understanding of nutrient availability are vital

Major reductions in fertilizer-based greenhouse gas emissions are possible through 4R nutrient management, according to research from the University of Guelph. However, such reductions require growers to understand what nutrients are already present in soil, what portion is likely to be available for crops in the growing season and the significance of overapplication. Support for […] Read more

Lowering fertilizer use should come in ways that don’t reduce the capacity for yield increase in crops.

Are greenhouse gas emission reduction goals too costly?

Reducing fertilizer use might be a tough target without cutting production and incomes, says industry

Glacier FarmMedia – A recent report prepared by accounting firm Meyers Norris Penny says Canadian farmers could lose $48 billion over the next eight years if the federal government moves ahead with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from on-farm fertilizer use by 30 per cent. In its report entitled Implications of a Total Emissions […] Read more