Carbon Footprint and Management in Turkish Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the sectors that cause climate change and are greatly affected by this change. It is known that arid and semi-arid regions of the world are becoming more vulnerable to climate change. Imbalances in carbon emissions (climate change, greenhouse gases, etc.) accelerate the process and it is an undeniable fact that it will negatively affect the life cycle in the future. This research aims to reveal the carbon footprint of Turkish agriculture. According to TÜİK data, Turkey's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 are 558,3 million tons (Mt) CO2 equivalent. Total greenhouse gas emissions per capita were calculated as 6.8 tons CO2 and 6.6 tons CO2 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Turkey's agricultural sector emissions increased by 37,9% compared to 1990 and were calculated as 71,5 Mt CO2 equivalent in 2022. Therefore, it is vital to develop carbon footprint reduction strategies and sustainable methods in agricultural production. In a study conducted by researchers, the effects of soil tillage on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrogen oxide (N2O) emissions were evaluated. Researchers determined that zero tillage (NT) significantly reduced CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions by 35,43%, 67,33% and 339,07%, respectively, compared to conventional tillage (CT). As a result, intensive technological agricultural practices and intensive agricultural inputs increase greenhouse gas emissions, in other words, the carbon footprint in agriculture. Reducing the carbon footprint in agriculture is critical to combating climate change. Strategies such as sustainable agricultural practices, soil management and renewable energy use can help reduce agricultural emissions. The future of the agricultural sector can be shaped by environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Therefore, it is necessary to develop systems and methods that will reduce the carbon footprint and to provide incentives for the implementation of these systems. In order to develop carbon footprint reduction strategies in agriculture, it will be of great importance to conduct carbon footprint analysis in each section of the agricultural sector.<br>