UPSC Prelims 2022
Environment & Ecology
Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?
Explanation
Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from rice farms could have the same long-term warming impact as about 600 coal plants. Rice cultivation emits methane and nitrous oxide due to flooded fields and nitrogen-based fertilizers. Flooding creates anaerobic conditions, producing methane released through rice plants. Fertilizers poorly absorbed by rice lead to soil microbes converting nitrogen into nitrous oxide.