HUMUS - Data basis for greenhouse gas emissions and sinks in agricultural farms and regions of Austria

Agricultural land use systems are contributing in different ways to the emission and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHG). Agriculture is responsible for 15 – 20 %, 56 %, and 50 % of the emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O, respectively. The efficiency of conventional and organic farming systems as a sink for C can be assessed by soil organic matter contents. Data for an average humus accumulation of various farming systems differ considerably in the literature. The main objectives are: 1. to offer and optimise the data and calculation basis for a comprehensive description of GHG emission profiles of agricultural farms in Austria; 2. to model GHG relevant emissions and sinks of the main agricultural farming systems in Austria; 3. to deduce further research needs / model modifications related to climatic effects on the amount of GHG emissions and sinks in agricultural farms. Modelling with the model REPRO comprises: · C sink function of agricultural soils in different farming systems; · Annual balances of GHG emissions from agricultural farms; · Effects of climate change on the farm C cycle; · Bioenegy production; · Effects of operative farm decisions on the GHG emissions. Expected results are recommendations for a reduction of GHG emissions in agricultural farms and on a regional scale. The model and the data basis can be used for future climate scenarios.