Consider the following statements:1) Agricultural soils release nitrog...
Explanation: Agricultural soils contributed to over 70% of N2O emissions from India in 2010, followed by waste water (12%) and residential and commercial activities (6%). Since 2002, N2O has replaced methane as the second largest Greenhouse Gas (GHG) from Indian agriculture. Statement 1 is correct.
- Cattle account for 80% of the ammonia production. Statement 2 is correct.
- The poultry industry recorded an excretion of reactive nitrogen compounds of 0.415 tonnes in 2016. That is anticipated to increase to 1.089 tonnes by 2030. Statement 3 is correct.
Educational Objective: To know about agriculture sector contribution to pollution.
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Consider the following statements:1) Agricultural soils release nitrog...
Explanation:
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is present in agricultural soils. However, human activities such as farming and animal husbandry have led to the release of various nitrogen compounds into the environment, which can have harmful effects on human health, ecosystems, and climate change. Let's examine each statement in detail:
1) Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment:
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a group of highly reactive gases that are formed during combustion processes, such as in vehicles and power plants.
- However, agricultural soils can also be a source of NOx emissions, primarily due to the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and manure.
- When these fertilizers and manure are applied to the soil, they can undergo a process called nitrification, which converts the nitrogen into nitrate and releases NOx gases into the air.
- Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
2) Cattle release ammonia into environment:
- Ammonia (NH3) is a compound that is formed during the breakdown of nitrogen-containing compounds, such as urea in animal urine and manure.
- Cattle are a significant source of ammonia emissions, as they produce large amounts of urine and manure.
- When this waste is not properly managed, it can release ammonia into the air, which can contribute to air pollution and have negative effects on human health and ecosystems.
- Therefore, statement 2 is correct.
3) Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment:
- Reactive nitrogen compounds (RNCs) are a group of nitrogen-containing compounds that can have harmful effects on the environment, such as contributing to smog, acid rain, and eutrophication (excess nutrients in bodies of water).
- The poultry industry is a significant source of RNC emissions, primarily due to the use of nitrogen-based feed and the production of chicken manure.
- When this manure is not properly managed, it can release RNCs into the air and water, which can have negative effects on human health and ecosystems.
- Therefore, statement 3 is correct.
Conclusion:
All three statements are correct. Human activities such as agriculture and animal husbandry can release various nitrogen compounds into the environment, which can have negative effects on human health, ecosystems, and climate change. Proper management of these activities and their waste products is essential to reduce these emissions and mitigate their impacts.
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