Carbon Footprint and Emission Reduction Strategies During Potato Cultivation

Data on carbon footprint of potato are scanty in Bangladesh and in many other countries in the globe, although it is an important crop. Both life cycle-based (LCB) and field scaled measured (FSM) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were considered for determination of carbon footprint for Bangladesh compared to top 20 potato producing countries in the world. Carbon footprint was 0.16 kg CO₂ eq kg⁻¹ (LCB) for producing potato in Bangladesh. Fertilizers and irrigation water managements were the dominant inputs for GHG emissions in Bangladesh. Based on available data sources, GHG emission was the highest in USA (13206 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹) followed by Germany (6210.93 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹). The position of Bangladesh was fifth (4619 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹) considering LCB estimates and 12th (1279 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹) as FSM basis. Considering total potato areas, China was the top emitter (13.75 million tons, MT CO₂ eq) followed by India (7.35 MT CO₂ eq) and the position of Bangladesh was 6th (LCB). Apparently, there could be carbon sequestration based on FSM data, but net emission takes place when LCB assessment is considered. Total GHG emissions from potato-based cropping patterns and evaluating their total balances can provide a real scenario of net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) in Bangladesh and in other countries having similar environments. Fertilizer and water management, choice of cultivar, tillage system, and sowing time need to be fine-tuned along with adoption of suitable crop rotations for reducing GHG emission during potato cultivation.