Agronomic Footprints
The production and use of fertilisers are estimated to account for approximately 5 per cent of global GHG emissions.
Agronomic inputs are significant emissions sources contributing to any farm enterprise GHG emissions account.
For example, the Grains industry estimate that on-farm use of fertilisers and lime account for approximately 25 per cent and 11 per cent of the industry's scope 1 emissions1. By comparison, the contribution of crop protection products to scope 1 emissions are relatively small. This means that fertiliser and lime matter most for farmer footprints. However, as downstream processors and aggregators become concerned for scope 3 accounting it is worth noting that both fertilisers and crop protection products are the dominant source of scope 3 upstream emissions for the grains industry2.
Managing the application of fertilisers and lime for efficiency and land stewardship is a way of achieving and maintaining a productive low emissions system. The fertiliser industry 3 recognises that both the use of variable rate technologies4,5 and enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEFs) 6 has an important role in emissions reduction.
Reducing the emissions footprint associated with agronomic inputs can be achieved through optimising application based on the spatial variability of plant growth and soil properties, or by selecting products that better match plant demands.
Eligible activities that target the optimisation of agronomic inputs include:
Further information
Nitrogen Fertilisers and GHG Emissions
As the peak industry body, Fertiliser Australia provides comprehensive information on nutrient stewardship and oversees the industry Code of Practice.
A recent publication provides useful information on Nitrogen Fertiliser Use and Greenhouse Gases. An Australian Assessment: Challenges and opportunities.
It includes valuable information on both variable rate approaches and enhanced efficiency fertilisers, including common trade names and manufacturers.
Management of acidity: best practice liming
Regional variation in soil type, production system, and lime availability are important considerations when defining a liming program. State Government and Industry bodies provide relevant guidelines suited to regional contexts.
Variable Rate Technologies
Considered a component of precision agriculture, VR-fertiliser and VR-Lime are applicable across many production systems.
The Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA) provides advice to support successful planning and adoption and to enhance on-farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
Recent publications from GRDC provide comprehensive guidelines and case study examples, with key publications including PA in Practice, and Profit from precision agriculture.
Other industry specific information and case study examples can commonly be sourced on RDC websites including MLA, CRDC, SRA.
In general, benefits are more likely to be achieved in large farms that encompass variable soil types, and where yield variability has significant impact on management decisions and profitability.
1 Australian Grains Baseline and Mitigation Assessment Factsheet. GRDC. 2022
2 Australian Grains Baseline and Mitigation Assessment Factsheet. GRDC. 2022
3 Nitrogen Fertiliser Use & Greenhouse Gases. An Australian Assessment: Challenges and Opportunities. Fertiliser Australia, November 2023.
4 PA in Practice. GRDC. 2024
5 Profit from Precision Agriculture. GRDC 2024.
6 Nitrogen Fertiliser Use & Greenhouse Gases. An Australian Assessment: Challenges and Opportunities. Fertiliser Australia, November 2023.