How does nutrient management help combat climate change?

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in addressing climate change by optimizing nutrient use and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach focuses on applying the right amounts of nutrients—such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—at the appropriate times and in suitable forms to match crop needs.

Efficient nutrient use leads to several environmental benefits. When fertilizers are applied correctly, not only is crop yield maximized, but nutrient runoff into waterways is minimized. This prevents the release of excess nutrients which can contribute to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in aquatic systems. Additionally, proper nutrient management can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas associated with inefficient fertilizer application.

Furthermore, by promoting measures like cover cropping, crop rotation, and the use of soil amendments, nutrient management systems enhance soil health and carbon sequestration. Healthy soils can store more carbon, further contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation.

In contrast, the other options suggest methods that do not comprehensively address climate change. Increased synthetic fertilizer use can lead to higher nitrous oxide emissions if not managed properly. While reducing water usage is beneficial for conserving resources, it does not directly tackle the issue of greenhouse gases. Promoting organic farming practices can be part of the solution, but it is not the