Carbon Footprint of Agriculture: Structure, Assessment Methods, and Influencing Factors

Using the example of four model farms operating in different natural conditions in Altai krai (steppe zone, foothill steppe zone, and forest steppe zone), an assessment of the carbon footprint of plant production for various cultivated crops, as well as of the carbon footprint of livestock farming, has been carried out. The assessment tools include the following common carbon calculators: Cool Farm Tool, AgRe-Calc, Farm Carbon, and Ex-Act V9.4, as well as the Methodological Recommendations of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources. Differences in the magnitude of the carbon footprint of livestock farming and crop production are revealed when assessed using these tools. In the authors’ opinion, they are caused by differences in the initial data and conversion factors incorporated into the calculation algorithms of these calculators. The specific carbon footprint on model farms varies in the range from 100 kg to 1 t CO2-eq/ha for various crops, and from 1.67 to 3.51 t CO2-eq/head for cattle. At the same time, the structure of the carbon footprint of crop production on farms can differ dramatically and depends on the features of the technological process. It is revealed that the main factors influencing the magnitude of the carbon footprint of crop production are the set of crops grown, methods of handling plant residues, composition, quantity and methods of applying fertilizers and crop protection agents, and features of the technological process. The magnitude of the carbon footprint of livestock farming is determined by the characteristics of livestock management and the diet used. In this regard, it was concluded that the volume of greenhouse gas emissions can be regulated by organizing a land use system and/or improving the technological process of agricultural production.