Impact of Agriculture on Greenhouse Gas Emissions—A Review

Karolina Sokal () and Magdalena Kachel ()
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Karolina Sokal: Department of Machine Operation and Production Processes Management, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 28 Głęboka St., 20-612 Lublin, Poland
Magdalena Kachel: Department of Machine Operation and Production Processes Management, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 28 Głęboka St., 20-612 Lublin, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-38

Abstract: The restrictions imposed by the European Green Deal on Europe are expected to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. In this context, this article examines the current efforts to reduce emission levels, focusing on available international scientific papers concerning European territory, particularly Poland. The study paid special attention to the sector of agriculture, which is considered a key contributor to greenhouse gas generation. It also analysed the impact of various tillage techniques and the application of organic and inorganic fertilisers, e.g., nitrogen fertilisers, digestate, or compost, on the emissions of greenhouse gases and other environmentally harmful substances. Although there are few scientific articles available that comprehensively describe the problem of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, it is still possible to observe the growing awareness of farmers and their daily impact on the environment. The current study demonstrated that agricultural activities significantly contribute to the emissions of three main greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. The tillage and soil fertilisation methods used play a crucial role in their emissions into the atmosphere. The use of no-tillage (or reduced-tillage) techniques contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The machinery and fuels used, along with innovative systems and sensors for precise fertilisation, play a significant role in lowering emission levels in agriculture. The authors intend to identify potential opportunities to improve crop productivity and contribute to sustainable reductions in gas emissions.

Keywords: fuel consumption; carbon oxide; agriculture; climate change; climate policy; CO 2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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