Methane emissions from agricultural ponds are underestimated in national greenhouse gas inventories

Agricultural ponds are significant sources of methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas. This study provides a continental-scale assessment of CH₄ emissions from agricultural ponds in the United States and Australia. Using maps of agricultural ponds, a meta-analysis of emissions data, and adjustments for temperature and methane flux types, the researchers estimate that these ponds emit substantially more CH₄ than currently reported in national inventories. The findings highlight the need to incorporate these emissions into national greenhouse gas accounting and explore management strategies to mitigate these emissions while enhancing productivity and ecosystem services.

Martino E. Malerba, Tertius de Kluyver, Nicholas Wright, Lukas Schuster, Peter I. Macreadie