Carbon Footprint Hotspots in Rice-Wheat Cropping Systems: Implications for Environmental Sustainability and Public Well-being in India

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21272838

Priya and Sandeep Kapur (School of Business Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

In rice-wheat systems, wheat gives off very little methane but a lot of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), mostly because of using fertiliser and energy. This research employs a cradle-to-farm-gate life cycle assessment for irrigated Indo Gangetic wheat, high-input North China Plain systems, and rainfed wheat in Saskatchewan, Australia, Brazil, and other areas. Across sites, optimised nitrogen rates, improved timing and placement, more effective fertilisers, and conservation agriculture practices (zero tillage, residue retention, precision land levelling, efficient irrigation) can cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the wheat phase by 20 to 50% without lowering yields. The results show that fertiliser and energy policies, along with focused training on nitrogen and irrigation management and the promotion of conservation agriculture, are key to lowering the carbon footprint of wheat in ricewheat systems while also helping to ensure food security and climate-smart intensification.