Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

a) Cotton

b) Rice

c) Sugarcane

d) Wheat

Correct Answer: Option b) Rice

Learn more about the anthropogenic sources of Methane and nitrous oxide in the given explanation below.

Explanation: 

• Agriculture is estimated to account for 10%–20% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. In 2005, it accounted for 50% and 60% of the total anthropogenic methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, respectively. Rice paddies are considered one of the most important sources of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which have attracted considerable attention due to their contribution to global warming.

Anthropogenic Sources of Methane and Nitrous Oxide

Methane:

• Agriculture: Rice cultivation, livestock production, and manure management are all major sources of methane emissions from agriculture.
• Energy: Methane is released during the production, transportation, and storage of fossil fuels.
• Waste management: Methane is produced when organic waste decomposes in landfills.
• Biomass burning: Burning forests, grasslands, and other biomass also releases methane into the atmosphere.

Nitrous oxide:

• Agriculture: The use of nitrogen fertilizers and manure on agricultural land is the largest source of nitrous oxide emissions.
• Industry: Nitrous oxide is also emitted from certain industrial processes, such as the production of nitric acid and adipic acid.
• Energy: Nitrous oxide is released from the combustion of fossil fuels, especially in power plants and vehicles.

Other anthropogenic sources of methane and nitrous oxide include wastewater treatment plants, deforestation, and the use of certain solvents and refrigerants.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

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