A groundbreaking new study published today in The Royal Society sheds light on practical methods for quantifying and mitigating methane emissions from agriculture. The study, titled Practical Paths Towards Quantifying and Mitigating Agricultural Methane Emissions, by Euan G. Nisbet and a team of international researchers, details rapid advances in pinpointing methane sources and implementing effective reduction strategies. The research finds that substantial cuts in agricultural methane—potentially up to 75 Tg per year—are possible through targeted interventions in livestock management, manure storage, biodigesters, and waste reduction.
Why This Matters
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide over short periods. Agricultural activities—including livestock digestion, manure decomposition, and rice cultivation—are among the largest sources. With methane levels rising at an alarming rate, failing to curb these emissions threatens global climate goals, such as those set by the Paris Agreement.
The study highlights that biological sources—primarily agriculture and waste—account for over 40% of annual methane emissions. However, targeted reductions in manure management, agricultural waste, and rice fields could significantly cut emissions worldwide.
A Shift in Measurement: From Estimates to Direct Data
Traditionally, methane emissions have been estimated using bottom-up methods, which apply standardized emission factors to different sources. These methods often lack precision. Instead, the study advocates for top-down measurement approaches that directly capture methane levels in the atmosphere above emission sources.
Technologies such as UAV (drone) sensing, mobile vehicle-mounted sensors, and isotopic analysis are enabling precise detection of methane hot spots. For example, SUV-mounted instruments mapping emissions from dairy farms have revealed that manure lagoons and poorly maintained biodigesters are among the largest offenders. This shift toward real-world measurements allows for more effective interventions.
Key Strategies for Reducing Agricultural Methane
The study outlines several approaches that could significantly cut emissions:
- Improved Manure Management: Covering manure lagoons, reducing slurry retention time, and acidifying manure can reduce emissions by 30-50%.
- Better Livestock Feed and Breeding: Feed additives such as 3-Nitrooxypropanol and seaweed-based supplements can reduce methane from cattle digestion by 20-30%. Breeding programs for low-emission livestock offer long-term reductions.
- Fixing Leaks in Biodigesters: While biodigesters capture methane for energy use, leaks can lead to significant emissions. The study found losses as high as 12% of total gas production in some cases, making stricter monitoring essential.
- Eliminating Crop Waste Burning: Burning crop waste contributes significantly to methane emissions and air pollution. Redirecting this waste to composting, animal feed, or bioenergy production offers a dual benefit—lower emissions and improved resource use.
- Methane Destruction Technologies: In high-methane environments such as cattle barns, catalytic oxidation can convert methane to CO2, reducing its warming potential by 97%.
Policy and Implementation: The Path Forward
While technological advancements are making methane mitigation more feasible, the study underscores the need for policy action. Governments must prioritize direct measurement over outdated estimation methods and invest in affordable monitoring tools, especially in rapidly growing agricultural regions like Africa and South Asia.
The study suggests that financial incentives—such as subsidies for improved manure management and methane capture—are likely to be more effective than punitive measures. The proposed US EMIT LESS Act serves as a model for how financial support can drive meaningful reductions in methane emissions.
Conclusion: Urgent Action Can Make a Difference
This study provides a clear roadmap for tackling agricultural methane emissions in a way that is both scientifically rigorous and practically achievable. By focusing on direct measurement, targeting the most significant sources, and implementing cost-effective mitigation strategies, methane emissions from agriculture could be cut by a third in the coming decades.
The urgency is clear—rapid methane reductions could provide immediate climate benefits, slowing global warming and improving air quality. With the right combination of technology, policy, and industry action, a more sustainable agricultural system is within reach. The time to act is now.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes findings from a study published in The Royal Society on March 5, 2025. The information presented is based on scientific research and expert analysis but should not be interpreted as policy guidance. Readers should refer to the original study and consult environmental authorities for detailed recommendations on methane reduction strategies.
Research Study Source:
Nisbet, E. G., Manning, M. R., Lowry, D., Fisher, R. E., Lan, X. (Lindsay), Michel, S. E., France, J. L., Nisbet, R. E. R., Bakkaloglu, S., Leitner, S. M., Brooke, C., Röckmann, T., Allen, G., et al. (2025). Practical paths towards quantifying and mitigating agricultural methane emissions. The Royal Society. Published March 5, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2024.0390
