Projections of greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from the agriculture sector are accounted for up to 2050.
Greenhouse gas emission projections in the agriculture sector
Projections of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in Slovakia are prepared based on two main scenarios – WEM (with current measures) and WAM (with additional measures). These scenarios show how emissions may change in the future depending on what measures are implemented in the sector.
In the WEM scenario, emissions from agriculture are assumed to initially increase slightly or stagnate until 2030, with a subsequent decrease after 2035. The increase in emissions is mainly due to increased use of fertilizers, a slight increase in the number of livestock and limited introduction of new technologies. The WEM scenario only takes into account measures implemented by 2022.
The WAM scenario represents an ambitious emission reduction scenario that takes into account the potential for additional measures beyond those currently implemented. The WAM scenario assumes a significant reduction in emissions. Key measures under this scenario include, for example, more intensive use of low-emission technologies in livestock production (e.g. feed additives, modification of housing systems), improved manure and digestate management, including their energy use, precision agriculture aimed at optimizing inputs and minimizing nutrient losses, changes in fertilizer structure and wider application of organic forms, as well as the introduction of innovations such as wearable technologies to reduce methane emissions in livestock.
Agriculture in Gg of CO₂ eq.
Air pollutant emission projections in the agriculture sector
Projections of agricultural emissions under the WEM scenario show a decrease in NMVOC emissions, which is associated with a reduction in livestock numbers and more intensive feeding. In the case of ammonia (NH₃), agriculture accounts for around 90% of national emissions, with the largest share coming from the application of animal manure to land and the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilisers. Some emission reduction measures are in place for manure management, but no measures are in place for inorganic fertilisers. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from agriculture are increasing slightly, mainly due to higher consumption of inorganic nitrogen fertilisers to replace the loss of organic nitrogen in the soil caused by livestock losses. However, agriculture remains a minor source of NOx and there are no policies to reduce it yet. Emissions of the solid fraction (PM2.5, PM10, TSP) have shown a decreasing trend since 2005 and this trend is expected to continue until 2050.