There has been some research that has shown that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing global warming. Carbon dioxide is probably the most well known greenhouse gas, but methane and nitrous oxide can also cause problems as well. Potential global warming is important to Kentucky farmers not only because the climate may change but also because agriculture can influence the levels of these greenhouse gases.
Carbon dioxide is influenced by the level of organic matter in the soil.
Soils may act either as a source of carbon by releasing carbon to the atmosphere or soils may act as a sink by depositing atmospheric carbon back into the soils. Land management is the critical factor that determines whether the net change in soil carbon is a gain or loss. Methane and nitrous oxide are also influenced by agricultural practices. Nitrous oxide is produced by bacteria breaking down nitrogen in the soil. Therefore, the levels of nitrogen fertilizers applied and when application takes place can affect the nitrous oxide levels in the atmosphere.