The impact of the use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers on GHG emissions and mitigation using economic instruments

Abstract

The problem of excessive use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers requires increasing attention. Intensifying agricultural production increase a negative impact on the environment through increasing urbanization and human needs. Increasing rates of nitrogen fertilizers are being used to grow crops, in which case the focus is on yields. The environmental pollution, which is inevitably caused by agricultural production, calls for a more responsible approach not only from farmers but from the authorities as well. It is emphasized that the use of mineral fertilizers is one of the main sources of GHG emissions in agriculture and therefore a disciplinary focus is needed to address this issue. This study presents the economic response use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers regarding the impact of the use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers on GHG emissions. Scientific literature, analysis of statistical data, TIER 1 IPCC (2019) methodology. The results show that in 2018, nitrous oxide emissions account for the largest share of GHG emissions in Bulgaria, Latvia and Lithuania, proving the importance of the topic. GHG emissions from agricultural activities (ESU 27) consist of 11% total GHG emissions, however, there has been a drastic increase in GHG emissions from agriculture in Sweden. Nevertheless, Lithuania GHG emissions from agricultural activities seen a decrease in recent years. Economic instruments such as taxes or subsidies shall be used to reduce environmental pollution in agriculture. Both instruments are difficult to implement, have pros and cons. The subsidy system is being implemented, but the provision of environmentally harmful subsidies needs to be reconsidered. The instrument of taxation of mineral nitrogen fertilizers is described as effective, but a complex system of actions is needed, which is not focused on one country.