Sustainable Bioenergy, Farms, and Forests - February 2, 2018

New Study Finds Nitrogen Fertilizer a Major Contributor to Smog in California

A new study led by researchers at the University of California, Davis, finds that agriculture is one of the leading cause of smog formation in the state. When nitrogen fertilizer is applied to soil, excess nitrogen is volatilized or leached out and forms nitrogen oxides (NOx), a primary component of smog. Researchers found that nitrogen application, primarily in the Central Valley, is likely contributing 25 percent or more to state-wide NOx pollution levels.  The findings are consistent with estimates of other highly productive agricultural regions around the world, but contradict the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which considers soil emissions of NOx as negligible. Additionally, the study raises questions on how best to combat NOx emissions from the agricultural sector as producers seek to intensify food production in the next several decades.  

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Headlines:

1. EPA Chief Riles Ethanol Advocates with Call for Biofuels Policy Reform

2. Which Side Are You On? When It Comes to Farm Bill Politics, the Lines Blur

3. Don’t Look, but a Couple of Mega-Companies Are About to Take Over Your Food Supply

4. The Debate Over Forest Fire Control Rages On

5. Farms with Biggest Financial Risk Get Least Government Support

 

 

 

 

 

To Contact the Editor: Jessie Stolark at bioenergy@eesi.org

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