A52-75-2007E.pdf - AgroMedia International Inc

Environment3A proposed approach to estimate and reduce net greenhouse gasemissions from whole farmsCorresponding AuthorJanzen, H.H.AAFC Lethbridge Research CentreCollaboratorsAngers, D.A.AAFC Soils and Crops Research andDevelopment CentreBoehm, M.AAFC Saskatoon Research CentreBolinder, M.AAFC Soils and Crops Research andDevelopment CentreDesjardins, R.L.AAFC Eastern Cereal and OilseedResearch CentreDyer, J.A.ConsultantEllert, B.H.AAFC Lethbridge Research CentreGibb, D.J.AAFC Lethbridge Research CentreCanadian Journal of Soil Science (2006) Vol. 86 p. 401-418.There are two simple alternatives for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissionsfrom farms: reducing the release of GHG or increasing the storageof carbon in soils. However, practice changes that may reduce GHG emissionsin one part of the farm enterprise may increase emissions in another.For example, growing a new crop that reduces methane emissions fromcattle may require the use of increased nitrogen fertilizer, affecting nitrousoxide emissions. Or a new legume crop may result in the sequestrationof more carbon dioxide but feeding such a crop to cattle may influencemethane emissions from enteric fermentation. Such complex interactionsrequire a complete understanding of GHG dynamics on the whole farm.The authors of this paper propose the development of a mathematicalmodel which would integrate all aspects of the farm enterprise. Such a‘Virtual Farm’ model would provide a repository of current knowledge andhelp to focus future research efforts in areas where knowledge is lacking.Once constructed, such a model would allow decision makers to evaluatethe potential of mitigation strategies before investing in their application.The proposal describes a blueprint for the construction of a Virtual Farmmodel.30 Highlights in Canadian Dairy Cattle Research - 2007