6. Emissions from Agricultural Soils

Emissions of N₂O from agricultural soils are primarily due to the microbial processes of nitrification and denitrification in the soil. Three distinct sub-categories should be reported: 1) direct soil emissions, 2) indirect emissions, and 3) pasture, range, and paddock (i.e., grazing animals)[1]. Activities that increase the amount of nitrogen added to the soil generally result in higher N₂O emissions.

Agricultural soils may also emit or remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) and/or methane (CH₄). For example, peat compost used as a soil amendment in agriculture and gardening may result in CO₂ emissions or removals. Carbon emissions from organic, mineral, and limed soils are, however, to be accounted for under the LULUCF Sector, and methodological guidelines for estimating CO₂ fluxes from soils are provided in the good practice guidance for LULUCF.