Estimation of carbon emissions of agricultural machinery use in India

Abstract

India is currently one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. As a largely agricultural country, the correct measurement of carbon emission associated with different agricultural machinery is highly important. Quantification of the carbon footprint of agricultural machinery is important for the identification of more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Information on input energy (fuel energy) used by different farm machinery in India was collected and converted into carbon equivalent in kg CE ha-1 and kg CO2e ha”1. The carbon equivalent for field preparation, sowing and transplanting, sprayer, harvesting, straw management, and other machinery ranges from 4.64 – 21.60, 5.5 – 16.57, 0.85-3.23, 2.02-17.22, 8.91-26.19 kg CE ha-1 and 15.38 – 71.60, 11.39 – 54.94, 2.81 – 10.72, 6.70 – 57.08, and 25.13 – 86.83 kg CO2e ha”1. In order to use low-emission machinery and to calculate the carbon footprints of crop production, the equivalent carbon emission factors of each farm machine and implement were determined. Improved and accurate equipment with optimal and minimal tillage, conservation agriculture, resource conservation technology, and straw management equipment can all help minimise the carbon footprints of farm machinery.