Influence of Brazilian cattle in greenhouse effect is smaller than expected (26/06/2013)

Photo: Alexandre Berndt


Livestock's contribution to Brazilian emissions of greenhouse gases have the first results released this week for the largest global conference on the theme, the GGAA 2013 (Greenhouse Gases & Animal Agriculture), Dublin, Ireland. Embrapa and partner institutions have nine scientific articles and three lectures.

The experiments started in 2011 data show positive, albeit initial, indicating that the contribution of the cattle herd in the greenhouse effect is smaller than expected. For example, the greater the production of grass, higher carbon sequestration in the soil, helping to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The emission levels of nitrous oxide, one of the greenhouse gases, were low, as well as methane, considering the conditions of the Brazilian cattle.

"If recovered, pastures can be allies in the fight against global warming," explains Embrapa researcher Patricia Anchão. She explains that with the increase of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere because of human activities, the grass will grow more and accumulate more fiber, which can increase greenhouse gas emissions, but at low levels. "In contrast, the pasture withdraw more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as occurs with the forests," he adds.

Network Pecus
The increase in emissions of greenhouse gases and consequent global warming is a concern. In Brazil, deforestation, agriculture and livestock are blamed for much of the emissions, unlike developed countries, predominantly urban emissions.

Concerned about this phenomenon, Embrapa began in 2011 a large research project lasting four years called Pecus. Your goal is to estimate the contribution of Brazilian cattle to the greenhouse effect.

More than 350 researchers from Embrapa and several institutions in Brazil and abroad (universities, research institutions and research funding agencies and the private sector), conducting experiments on five biomes (Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Pantanal and Pampa).

Due to the size of his flock, the Brazilian livestock emits far, but we know that it is possible to reduce these emissions through sustainable production systems. This is the way of Pecus: in addition to accurately quantify the emissions, also intends to show through data systems which are less polluting and more productive.

The network wants to support the formulation of public policies that encourage the adoption of sustainable systems, recovery of degraded pastures, among other measures. And thus contributing to Brazil to achieve the voluntary targets for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

Larissa Morais (MTb / SP 48218)
Embrapa Southeast Cattle
Tel: (16) 3411-5625
larissa.morais @ embrapa.br

Source: www.embrapa.org.br