April 23, 2024

Agricultural emissions in US hit 10-year low in 2022

The latest report from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated that emissions from US agriculture were at a 10-year low in 2022.

In that year, agricultural activities were responsible for 9.4% of total gross US greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture sector emissions decreased by 1.9% since 2021 to reach their lowest value since 2012. These emissions have increased by 7.7% since 1990.

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management represented 36.6% of total methane (CH4) emissions from anthropogenic activities in 2022.

Agricultural soil management activities, such as the application of synthetic and organic fertilisers, the deposition of livestock manure and growing N-fixing plants, were the largest contributors to US (nitrous oxide) N2O emissions in 2022, accounting for 74.6% of total N2O emissions.

Carbon dioxide emissions from the application of crushed limestone and dolomite  and urea fertilisation represented 0.2% of total CO2 emissions from anthropogenic activities.

- EPA