Greener farming: managing carbon and nitrogen cycles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture

The development of sustainable and productive farming depends on the effective management of the carbon and nitrogen cycles. Despite the importance of these natural processes, their recent separation within intensive, specialized production has led to increased environmental impacts, and loss pathways from both cycles are responsible for agriculture's substantial contribution to global warming. At the same time, growing populations are placing increasing demands on fragile agroecosystems and the effects of climate change are already being witnessed in a range of climatic zones. As a result of such impacts, there is an urgent need to review the way our food is produced to identify areas for greenhouse gas abatement and emission offsetting. This chapter explored some opportunities for improvement, with reference to individual practices and farming systems. Challenges and opportunities for the sector are also discussed from research, farm practice, and regulatory perspectives.