By Nathan Villiger
Agriculture is a major industry in the Chesapeake Bay; consequently, increasing agricultural sustainability is a key component of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s mission. Since the Alliance’s founding in 1971 , our work with farmers and rural landowners has expanded to include projects in every watershed state with teams based in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. In industry, the Alliance works to introduce relevant conservation practices that reduce pollution while making farmers’ jobs easier. All of this critical work is informed by the immense geographic, cultural, and historical diversity of the Chesapeake Watershed.
Climate-based practices leverage innovations in agricultural practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions are produced from equipment that burns fossil fuels, ruminant animals like cattle that naturally release methane, decomposition of manure or waste, or over application of fertilizers. Broadly speaking, major sources of emission can be divided into manure management, field practices, and pasture management. However, many sustainability practices also have a positive impact on agricultural carbon emissions. It is important to view greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture as a system-wide issue, with many possible areas of reduction.
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