Trends in greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from the agricultural sector have been balanced since 1990. Emissions from this sector show a high degree of uncertainty, which stems from the nature of the natural processes that are important, namely the carbon and nitrogen cycle in the sector, which is accounted for both greenhouse gases and air pollutants.
Trends in greenhouse gas emissions
The development of livestock numbers had a significant impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants in this sector after 1990. The decline in the number of livestock was most significant in the categories of cattle and sheep, but a significant decline occurred in all categories.
The main reason for the decline was economic changes and the transformation of the sector after 1989. Agriculture was transformed from a planned economic model to a market one. The decline in emissions was mainly driven by economic factors and was accompanied by a sales and financial crisis in primary agricultural production, which peaked in 1992. One of the key aims of the agricultural transformation during the transition to a market system was the decollectivization of agriculture, with the goal of restoring private ownership rights. Another decrease in livestock numbers is visible after 2004, when Slovakia joined the European Union. However, thanks to subsidies from the EU’s common budget—allocated to support European farms under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy—the decline in livestock numbers was partially moderated.
The agriculture sector is the fourth largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly 6% of total emissions.
Total greenhouse gas emissions
CH4 emissions trend
The most significant source of methane is methane produced by enteric fermentation processes of cattle, which represents the key category (89%). Approximately 9% is methane produced by sheep. Methane emissions from this category have a long-term decreasing trend, as well as methane emissions from manure management. The reason is the dramatic decrease in livestock numbers, especially cattle and pigs. Methane emissions from manure and slurry storage have decreased by approximately 80% compared to 1990. Emissions from cattle, pigs and sheep were calculated based on emission factors specific to the Slovak Republic based on regional data on animal feed rations and information on manure handling and storage systems. Manure and slurry from pigs and cattle have the greatest potential for methane generation from storage.
N2O emissions trend
N2O emissions have a decreasing trend. Compared to 1990, emissions have decreased by more than 60% due to the decrease in the number of livestock after 1990. This decrease was influenced by the economic situation in agriculture, in particular the continuous reduction of cattle numbers. A further decrease in emissions is visible after 2015, triggered by the political decision to end milk quotas. The milk quota system in the EU ended on 31 March 2015. It was first introduced in 1984 at a time when EU production greatly exceeded demand.
The main reason for the decreasing trend was the decrease in the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers in Slovakia after 1990. Despite the decrease in previous years, an upward trend appears again, especially from 2009 onward. After 2019, a slight decrease is visible, mainly due to higher fertilizer prices on the market. The general increase in emissions is caused by the economic recovery in the crop and fodder sector, the annual increase in arable land causes pressure on higher consumption of organic and inorganic fertilizers. A negative water balance in soils and the resulting soil drought have caused yield losses in agricultural crops. These conditions played a key role in reducing N₂O emissions from leaching from agricultural soils and pastures in the years 2017–2019 and 2021–2023. According to analyses, a similar trend is expected to continue.
Trends in air pollutant emissions
Agriculture in Slovakia is a stable source of ammonia (NH₃), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter emissions. The main sources are livestock farming, manure processing and the use of nitrogen fertilizers. NH3 emissions in this sector have decreased by approximately 60% since 1990. The main reason for this decrease was a significant reduction in livestock numbers, especially cattle and pigs.
Total pollutant emissions
NH3 emissions trend
The trend of ammonia emissions from agricultural land management is decreasing, except for a few isolated years (1997, 2002, 2017-2019), which deviate from the decreasing trend. These extremes in the trend are caused by the higher application of mineral fertilizers to the soil in 2002 and 2017, increased consumption of urea, which has one of the greatest potentials for the formation of ammonia emissions. After 2018, a decrease in emissions from inorganic nitrogen fertilizers, especially urea, was recorded. The decrease is mainly due to increased gas prices, which had an impact on the increase in the price of fertilizers on the market. Considering recent years, we can say that NH3 emissions from manure management are relatively stable to slightly fluctuating.
NOx emissions trend
NOx emissions from agriculture have decreased by more than 50% since 1990, mainly due to the reduction of livestock numbers. After 2014, NOx emissions from the agricultural sector increased slightly due to a significant increase in the consumption of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers.
NMVOC emissions trend
Emissions of volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) in agriculture have decreased significantly since 1990, by almost 70%, mainly due to the decrease in number of livestock, especially cattle and pigs. NMVOC emissions are formed in the digestive tract of herbivores as a by-product of enteric fermentation, in which carbohydrates are broken down into simpler molecules by microorganisms. The amount of volatile organic compounds released depends on the type of digestive tract, the age and weight of the animal, as well as the quality and quantity of feed consumed. Another source of NMVOC emissions is the storage of feed, especially silage. As a result, cattle farming is the most important source of agricultural NMVOC emissions.
Particulate matter emissions trends
Agriculture is not a significant producer of particulate matter. Emissions of particulate matter in agriculture arise primarily from handling feed, handling and drying of agricultural crops, handling of animal bedding in housing and tillage. Particulate matter is also generated by the activity of animals during their housing. PM2.5 and TSP from agriculture have shown a noticeable decrease since 1990, which has been relatively stable in recent years with slight fluctuations caused by decreasing emissions from manure management and at the same time increasing partial emissions from agricultural soils.
Particulate matter emissions trends
Agriculture is not a significant producer of particulate matter. Emissions of particulate matter in agriculture arise primarily from handling feed, handling and drying of agricultural crops, handling of animal bedding in housing and tillage. Particulate matter is also generated by the activity of animals during their housing. PM2.5 and TSP from agriculture have shown a noticeable decrease since 1990, which has been relatively stable in recent years with slight fluctuations caused by decreasing emissions from manure management and at the same time increasing partial emissions from agricultural soils.
Particulate matter emissions trends
Agriculture is not a significant producer of particulate matter. Emissions of particulate matter in agriculture arise primarily from handling feed, handling and drying of agricultural crops, handling of animal bedding in housing and tillage. Particulate matter is also generated by the activity of animals during their housing. PM2.5 and TSP from agriculture have shown a noticeable decrease since 1990, which has been relatively stable in recent years with slight fluctuations caused by decreasing emissions from manure management and at the same time increasing partial emissions from agricultural soils.
Particulate matter emissions trends
Agriculture is not a significant producer of particulate matter. Emissions of particulate matter in agriculture arise primarily from handling feed, handling and drying of agricultural crops, handling of animal bedding in housing and tillage. Particulate matter is also generated by the activity of animals during their housing. PM2.5 and TSP from agriculture have shown a noticeable decrease since 1990, which has been relatively stable in recent years with slight fluctuations caused by decreasing emissions from manure management and at the same time increasing partial emissions from agricultural soils.