We are glad to announce that Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI) will be conducting a special colloquium on “Assessing Agroecosystems through Energy Dynamics, Carbon Balance, and Global Warming Potential in Changing Climatic Scenarios” on 25 April 2025, 12 Noon at Seminar Hall, Narendrapur Campus.

Speaker : Dr. Saurav Garai, Agronomy, RKMVERI
Co-ordinator: Prof. Abhijit Chakrabarti

Abstract

Global pursuit of sustainable production systems extends beyond a mere focus on heightened productivity; it necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of farm-level energy dynamics and the ensuing environmental ramifications. Moreover, the escalating patterns observed in C emission and Global Warming Potential (GWP) are intricately linked to the adoption of energy-intensive agricultural methodologies. Indian agriculture exclusively provides 22.50% total country’s GHGs emission and rice cultivation solely contributes 10.1% of total agricultural emission. Energy fluxes, GWP and C balance were estimated by considering the inputs, their quantity and management practices using FAO and IPCC guidelines. Results from a long term (5 years) field experiment on application of organic and natural inputs on rice-based cropping systems showed more than 50% reduction of GHGs under fully organic input along with higher C stock as compared to conventional practices. Results from another experiment related to nutrient omission on rice revealed that rational uses of inorganic fertilizer (recommended by Nutrient Expert) accounted for low GWP (1075 kg CO2 /kg rice) over recommended dose (1350 kg CO2 /kg rice) without compromising productivity. Maximum net energy gain (78046 MJ/ha) and energy use efficiency (4.24) accounted for a similar recommendation. In another study, rice cultivation under non-puddled conditions with alternate wetting drying resulted in less CH 4 emission and left less water footprint over conventional practice.