Carbon Capture Technologies: Optimizing CO2 Utilization to Reduce Emissions in Agriculture
The agricultural industry is a notorious contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It heavily depends on certain gasses, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen, to thrive. For example, virtually all plants require CO2 for photosynthesis and optimal yield, which makes reducing emissions in agriculture so complex.
It contributes to climate change but is also responsible for feeding the population and facilitating oxygen production. Additionally, CO2 is just one of many GHGs emitted. The situation calls for creative, practical and far-reaching solutions.
Carbon Sequestration for CO2 Optimization
Carbon sequestration captures and stores atmospheric carbon dioxide, presenting a viable way to counterbalance the build-up of greenhouse gasses. Agricultural lands are an excellent medium for it.
Experts estimate the ground can store carbon for over 70,000 years as soil inorganic carbon or carbonates. Forests, farms and grasslands capture roughly 25% of global carbon emissions, providing another compelling reason for rangeland conservation.
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Carbon Capture Technologies
Recent innovations are driving the scope and capability of carbon sequestration in agriculture. These technologies look beyond removing CO2 to also using it as a resource:
- Direct air capture: This system draws in air and uses heat to unbind the CO2, which is then piped into underground storage. Deploying more DAC plants at full capacity can remove up to 4.7 metric tonnes of CO2 by 2030.
- BECCS: Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technology uses biomass to generate energy. Agricultural residues and forestry wastes fuel biomass energy production while the system captures and stores carbon dioxide. Plans for 20 BECCS facilities are underway and can lead to 15 metric tonnes of CO2 captured yearly.
- Engineered molecules: Scientists at MIT are creating special molecules that act as a filter to capture carbon dioxide from the air.
Carbon Dioxide Supplementation
Discarded crops and other organic matter generate methane and nitrous oxide, increasing GHG emissions. Regulating CO2 levels in farming is essential to minimizing crop waste. Plants with inadequate carbon dioxide — even for short periods — can wilt and suffer stunted growth, increasing the possibility of ending up in landfills.
On the other hand, increasing and controlling carbon dioxide in plants to an ideal target of 800–1,000 parts per million can optimize growth and improve photosynthesis. Additionally, it leads to better water conservation during crop production, as CO2 reduces the rate at which plants lose water through evaporation.
Increasing Use Of Non-Carbon Energy Sources in Agriculture
Harnessing renewable energy systems such as solar and wind turbines can decrease farmers’ reliance on fossil fuel energy sources. Commercial agriculture operations with large swaths of land can generate significant amounts of clean energy to reduce carbon emissions and cut operating costs.
The government offers a number of programs and tax incentives to promote the adoption of non-carbon energy sources on farmlands. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act through the Rural Energy for America Program provides funding up to 75% of the cost of utilizing renewable energy.
Switching to electric trucks for farm use is another proven way to reduce emissions in agriculture. Heavy-duty vehicles account for 78% of diesel-based carbon emissions in the U.S. According to research, deploying fuel-cell e-trucks could save 6,000 gallons of diesel yearly. Additionally, adopting drone technology for crop monitoring and protection can reduce carbon emissions by over 51 kg per hectare and improve pesticide utilization by up to 10%.
Minimize CO2 Emissions in Agriculture
Optimizing carbon dioxide utilization in food production is central to minimizing the industry’s GHG emissions. Innovative processes like carbon sequestration, CO2 supplementation, and the adoption of renewable energy sources on farmlands can go a long way in ensuring more sustainable agricultural practices now and in the future.
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