Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Livestock Management in Poland

Agriculture faces increasing pressure to maintain productivity while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under changing climatic conditions. Livestock production is one of the major sources of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), making it a key target for emission mitigation strategies. This study assessed the spatial variability and temporal dynamics of CH4 and N2O emissions from livestock management in 16 Polish voivodeships during the period 1999–2024. Emissions from enteric fermentation (CH4) and manure management (CH4 and N2O) were estimated with the methodology used by the National Centre for Emissions Management (NCEM), recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The results revealed pronounced regional differences in CH4 emissions, with the highest emissions recorded in the Mazowieckie voivodeship (88–111 Gg CH4 yr−1), and the lowest estimated in the Lubuskie voivodeship (7–9 Gg CH4 yr−1). N2O emissions from manure management exhibited relatively small temporal variation but clear spatial differentiation. The highest emissions were found in the Wielkopolskie and Mazowieckie voivodeships, while the largest increase occurred in the Podlaskie voivodeship, where N2O emissions rose from 824 to 1237 Mg N2O yr−1. These findings indicate that livestock production and associated GHG emissions in Poland are strongly regionalised and have undergone substantial structural changes over the past 25 years. Region-specific mitigation policies and targeted support for farmers are therefore essential for achieving effective emission reductions.