Ground level ozone derived from oxidant smog is particularly harmful, for example, to white beans, potatoes and maple trees. In the long run, atmospheric change contributes to climatic variations which could ultimately affect cropping patterns. Agriculture contributes to atmospheric change in various ways. Agricultural machinery and grain drying and heating systems consume fossil fuels and release greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Fertilizers and pesticides, if improperly applied, can contribute chemical compounds to the atmosphere.
Animal manures release methane gas.
While agriculture can contribute to atmospheric problems, it can also be part of the solution by helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Air quality concerns, such as dust, odour and noise, require careful management in many parts of the sector. Meeting air quality standards can be difficult and expensive because of often overlapping federal, provincial and municipal regulations. Complaints related to dust and noise problems increase when housing subdivisions are developed adjacent to processing facilities. Effective land use planning is important if, in the long term, air quality conflicts between the sector and other parts society are to be prevented.