Global warming pollution can also be
reduced by improved agricultural soil and
manure management, which produces important
water quality benefits as well. According to
recent estimates, agriculture accounts for about
6 percent of all global warming pollution in
the United States. Nitrous oxide is the most
significant greenhouse gas emitted through
agricultural production. Agricultural soil
management activities account for 78 percent
of nitrous oxide emissions, most of which result
from the application of nitrogen fertilizers to
cropland, which in turn causes water pollution.
Currently, U.S. farmers apply about 20 to 30
percent more nitrogen fertilizer than needed.
Scientists further estimate that reducing nitrogen
fertilizer use would reduce downstream water
pollution by more than 20 to 30 percent.5
Proven
nutrient conservation practices are available that
can substantially reduce loss of nitrogen to the
atmosphere and to surface and groundwater.