Agricultural greenhouse gases
Our research provides robust methods to quantify and forecast emissions and removals of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). We combine measurements and models to advance understanding at local (farm) scales of processes regulating emissions and removals of CO2, CH4 and nitrous oxide N2O from New Zealand’s natural and managed terrestrial systems, including pastoral agriculture.
Results of this research will:
- Explain the characteristics, causes and consequences of spatial and temporal variability in greenhouse gas emissions and removals
- Demonstrate the accuracy (quantify uncertainty) of current emissions estimates
- Provide models to predict greenhouse gas emissions under a range of current and future land use and climate scenarios
- Provide tools (models) to determine the likely success of land-based emissions mitigation projects and reduce emissions liabilities
Current Research
- Quantifies the spatial, seasonal and inter-annual variability in the net exchange of methane and nitrous oxide at site and paddock scales. Using chamber and micrometeorological methods, we can measure the impact on net emissions of changes in, for example, land-use or management.
- Develops, tests and validates process-based models to quantify the key processes regulating the net exchange of methane and nitrous oxide in terrestrial systems at site and paddock scales, including variation in climate, environmental and land-use variables.