Emission factors of greenhouse gases from Australian rice systems

Summary

The Australian greenhouse gas inventory for agriculture includes methane
and nitrous oxide emissions from rice. The current emission factor (EF) for
methane is based on the global default value (Tier 1) from the IPCC and is
heavily weighted towards rice systems of SE Asia. The EF for nitrous oxide
emissions in irrigated rice is the same as that used for irrigated crops in
Australia. Both of these EFs have significant issues and may overestimate
emissions from Australian rice systems. Country specific values may be considered
for inclusion in the inventory if sufficient data exists. Baseline data on
methane emissions under full flood is critical information but as water saving
practices are introduced, accurate estimates of nitrous oxide emissions and
associated adjustments to EFs will be required for comprehensive carbon
accounting. Combining high quality field measurements of greenhouse gas
emissions and rice production in Australian rice systems with proven simulation
models provides a robust assessment of the contribution of Australia’s rice
industry to the national account.

Program

Rice

Research Organisation

Queensland University of Technology

Objective Summary

The objective of the project is the provision of accurate information for baselining greenhouse gas emissions (specifically methane and nitrous oxide) from the Australian rice systems and potential mitigation strategies for sustainable rice production.