Carbon footprint estimation for tillage operations

Abstract

As a larger use of agricultural machinery, the measurement of carbon emission is highly important. Quantification of the carbon footprint is important for the identification of more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Information about input energy (fuel energy) used by some tillage techniques was collected and converted into carbon. In order to use low emission tillage operations, the equivalent carbon emission factors of each tillage technique were determined. The carbon equivalents for using traditional tillage system were the highest comparing with other tillage systems (158.63 kg CE ha-1 and 55.63 kg CO2e ha-1), while No-till system which give (5.8 kg CE ha-1 and 5.45 kg CO2e ha-1). Improved conservation technology and management equipment can all help minimize the carbon footprints of farm machinery.