A comparative analysis of on-farm greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural enterprises in south eastern Australia

Abstract

Agriculture in Australia contributes 16% of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with enteric CH4 and N2O contributing 10.4% and 2.8% of national emissions, respectively. If agriculture is to face an emissions constrained future then it is important to understand the emission profiles of different agricultural land uses and emissions associated with different production systems. Using the Australian National Inventory methodology, whole farm GHG emissions were calculated for different farm types in south eastern Australia. Fourteen representative farms were examined that included production of Merino fine wool, prime lamb, beef cattle, milk, wheat and canola. These farm systems were defi..