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Updated: Nov 9, 2025
08:18
Design and Use of a Full Flow Sampling System FFS for the Quantification of Methane Emissions
Published on: June 12, 2016
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Biogenic link to the recent increase in atmospheric methane over India
A Singh1, J Kuttippurath2, K Abbhishek2
1CORAL, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India; AGFE Department, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
Journal of Environmental Management
|April 13, 2021
Summary
Methane (CH4) emissions in India increased significantly from 2009-2020. Using biochar in rice farming can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
Background:
- Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with rising global concentrations.
- Anthropogenic CH4 emissions are substantial and projected to increase.
- Agricultural activities, particularly paddy fields, are significant sources of CH4.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze long-term trends of atmospheric methane concentrations over India.
- To identify seasonal variations and regional differences in CH4 emissions.
- To explore sustainable alternatives for reducing soil CH4 emissions from rice cultivation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of atmospheric CH4 concentration data from 2009 to 2020 across India.
- Regional analysis focusing on the Indo-Gangetic Plains, Peninsular India, and Central India.
- Evaluation of soil amendment techniques, specifically biochar, in rice farming through pot culture experiments.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in atmospheric CH4 concentrations in India (0.0765 ppm/decade) from 2009-2020.
- Consistent CH4 increase observed across major Indian regions.
- Biochar supplementation in rice cultivation led to lower yield-scaled GHG emissions and improved soil carbon.
Conclusions:
- Agricultural practices, especially during the Kharif-Rabi season, substantially contribute to CH4 emissions in India.
- Chemical fertilizers increase soil CH4 emissions.
- Biochar presents a viable natural solution to mitigate agricultural GHG emissions and enhance soil carbon sequestration.
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