National Averages: GHG Reduction by Practice

These numbers are calculated based on studies across the U.S. For a description of the practices included, please click here.

National Averages    
  Average GHG reduction      
  (t CO2e/acre)   Range  
Switch to no-till 0.59 0.00 to 1.40
Switch to conservation till 0.28 -0.12 to 0.66
Eliminate summer fallow 0.18 -0.15 to 0.42
Use winter cover crops 0.78 0.21 to 1.54
Diversify annual crop rotations 0.07 -0.62 to 0.74
Diversify annual crop rotations – not corn to corn-soybean 0.13 -0.56 to 0.71
Incorporate perennials into crop rotations 0.29 0.07 to 0.56
Short-rotation woody crops 1.59 -2.40 to 5.94
Convert cropland to pasture 1.24 0.43 to 1.96
Set aside cropland 1.44 0.49 to 2.70
Reduce N application by 15% 0.14 0.03 to 0.36
Adjust rice water management to reduce methane 0.46 -0.30 to 1.81
Replace annual with perennial crops 0.58 -0.04 to 1.12
Restore wetlands 1.59 -1.43 to 2.96
Manage species composition on grazing land 0.23 -0.29 to 0.90
Switch fertilizer N source from ammonium-based to urea 0.24 0.01 to 0.60
Switch to slow-release fertilizer N source 0.07 0.04 to 0.11
Change fertilizer N placement 0.10 0.00 to 0.28
Change fertilizer N application timing 0.07 0.00 to 0.21
Use nitrification inhibitors 0.17 0.01 to 0.42
Plant rice cultivars that produce less methane 0.39 0.03 to 0.76