Agriculture's role in carbon cycle fluctuations is larger than previously thought, with nitrogen fertilizers driving 45% of seasonal CO₂ swings, according to a new study led by Colorado State University. Published in Nature Communications, the research reveals that nitrogen-based fertilizers surpass the influence of atmospheric carbon dioxide (40%) and rising temperatures (18%) in affecting annual carbon cycle fluctuations.
Lead researcher Danica Lombardozzi emphasizes that agricultural processes have been underestimated in Earth system models, potentially skewing climate projections. While crops absorb carbon dioxide during growth, the carbon is quickly released back into the atmosphere after harvest due to the lack of long-term carbon storage in soils.
Gretchen Keppel-Aleks highlights the opportunity to use agricultural management practices for environmental benefit. The study underscores the need for integrating agricultural factors, particularly nitrogen fertilizers, into Earth system models for accurate climate change assessment and mitigation.