Dryland crop production and greenhouse gas emissions in Canada: A regional comparison

Abstract

Agricultural production systems produce several environmental impacts, including emissions of greenhouse gases. The objective of this paper is to investigate differences in greenhouse gas emissions from various crops grown under dryland production system in various regions of Canada. Results indicate that the emissions intensity varies depending upon the measure adopted - whether it is on per unit of area or production. In addition there is wide variability across regions of production. In the Prairie region, the greenhouse gas emissions intensity on a per hectare basis ranged from 378 kg for Alfalfa in Alberta to 1,837 kg for durum wheat in Saskatchewan. Generally, central Canada emits the highest GHG level on a per hectare basis but not on a tonne of production basis. © 2011 WIT Press.