Agriculture and land use account for 57% of Gelderland’s non-energy carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. That makes this sector the largest source of non-energy emissions in the province. Methane is the largest item and arises for the most part in the fermentation process of dairy cattle; nitrous oxide from animal manure and fertiliser use on land follows in second place.
Within this sector, methane from the rumen of ruminants is the dominant emission, followed by nitrous oxide from animal manure and fertiliser. The Climate Action Recap therefore places the emphasis on a shift towards conservation and regenerative agriculture, combined with a smaller livestock herd and a more plant-rich diet. That combination acts directly on the two largest sources and explains why agriculture and land use offer the largest course of action within this climate action plan. Source: Climate Action Recap Gelderland (agriculture and land use sector analysis), New Economy.