Toward Net-Zero Emissions in Croplands of China Through Reducing Non-CO2 Emissions and Improving Soil Carbon Sequestration

Along with carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the atmosphere are two critical non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHG) because of their potent impact on global warming. Agriculture in China utilizes only ~8.5% of the world’s arable land area while feeding 19% of the global population. Substantial growth in mineral fertilizer nitrogen (N) use since the 1970s has not only contributed to the national food security in China but also led to an increase in N2O emission. Irrigated rice cultivation is a major source of anthropogenic CH4. Cropland soils sequester organic carbon when field management is improved, thus offsetting non-CO2 GHG emissions from agriculture. Chinese government has pledged to reach peak CO2 emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. Although it is essential to reduce CO2 emissions from energy consumption and industrial processes, reducing non-CO2 emissions and improving soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in croplands will no doubt support China in achieving carbon neutrality. In this chapter, the author focuses on i) non-CO2 emissions and SOC sequestration, ii) mitigation options and effects, and iii) potentials in the reduction of non-CO2 emissions and the improvement of SOC sequestration in croplands of China. Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan region were not included due to a lack of necessary data.