Agriculture — Manure left on Pasture Emissions - Revision history

Rtuffli: SIGNAL republish article metadata from draft 688

2026-06-26T14:47:18Z

SIGNAL republish article metadata from draft 688

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 26 June 2026
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	<!-- SIGNAL_EARTH_PEOPLE_START -->		<!-- SIGNAL_EARTH_PEOPLE_START -->
	== Key Associated People ==		== Key Associated People ==
	* '''Bowen Zhang''' (Auburn University) [~~Lead~~ author]		* '''Bowen Zhang''' — Auburn University [Source author; High]
			* '''Yong Hou''' — Wageningen University [Source author; High]

			Inclusion reflects material contribution to the scientific understanding of this damage signal; it does not imply review, endorsement, or affiliation with SIGNAL Earth.
	<!-- SIGNAL_EARTH_PEOPLE_END -->		<!-- SIGNAL_EARTH_PEOPLE_END -->

	<!-- SIGNAL_EARTH_SOURCES_START -->		<!-- SIGNAL_EARTH_SOURCES_START -->
	== Sources ==		== Sources ==
	* [https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/9/667/2017/essd-9-667-2017-relations.html Global manure nitrogen production and application in cropland during 1860–2014: a 5 arcmin gridded global dataset for Earth system modeling — 2017]		* [https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/9/667/2017/essd-9-667-2017-relations.html Global manure nitrogen production and application in cropland during 1860–2014: a 5 arcmin gridded global dataset for Earth system modeling] — 2017. [Dataset; Anchor; High]
			* [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004565359390421Z Estimates of methane emissions from manure of U.S. cattle] — Chemosphere, 1993. DOI: 10.1016/0045-6535(93)90421-Z. [Paper; Supporting; High]
			* [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0960852494900647 Methane emissions from typical manure management systems] — Bioresource Technology, 1994. DOI: 10.1016/0960-8524(94)90064-7. [Paper; Supporting; High]
			* [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25330119/ Mitigation of ammonia, nitrous oxide and methane emissions from manure management chains: a meta-analysis and integrated assessment] — Global Change Biology, 2015. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12767. [Paper; Supporting; High]
	<!-- SIGNAL_EARTH_SOURCES_END -->		<!-- SIGNAL_EARTH_SOURCES_END -->

Rtuffli: SIGNAL publish from draft v688

2026-06-03T14:41:08Z

SIGNAL publish from draft v688

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:41, 3 June 2026
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	{{SignalTerm\|type=DS\|id=DS-00884\|label=Agriculture — Manure left on Pasture Emissions}} refers to the release of methane gas from animal manure ~~that remains~~ deposited ~~on pasture lands~~. This phenomenon is a component of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the ~~overall~~ methane ~~budget~~ in terrestrial ecosystems. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential higher than carbon dioxide over ~~short timescales~~, making its sources ~~important to quantify and monitor.~~		{{SignalTerm\|type=DS\|id=DS-00884\|label=Agriculture — Manure left on Pasture Emissions}} refers to the release of methane gas resulting from the decomposition of animal manure deposited directly onto pasturelands. This phenomenon is a component of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the broader context of methane fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. Understanding these emissions is important for assessing the environmental impact of livestock grazing practices and their role in global methane budgets. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, making its sources, including manure left on pastures, relevant to climate change studies. This signal captures emissions specifically associated with manure that remains on pasture surfaces rather than being collected or managed through other agricultural processes.

	~~In regions such as Afghanistan, where pastoral agriculture is a significant land use~~, manure left on pastures ~~can be a notable source of methane emissions. These emissions arise from microbial processes in manure under anaerobic conditions~~, ~~influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil characteristics~~. ~~Understanding and quantifying these~~ emissions ~~supports broader assessments of agriculture's environmental impact.~~

	~~Within the context of global environmental monitoring, this signal helps characterize the contribution of~~ manure ~~management practices~~ on ~~pasturelands to methane emissions, informing scientific assessments of~~ agricultural ~~emissions and their role in climate dynamics~~.

	== Geographic / System Context ==		== Geographic / System Context ==
	~~The geographic scope of this signal is Afghanistan, a country with diverse agro-ecological zones where pastoralism and~~ livestock grazing ~~are common~~. Pasturelands ~~in Afghanistan vary~~ from ~~arid and semi-arid rangelands~~ to ~~more fertile upland areas~~. ~~These landscapes support livestock~~ such as ~~sheep~~, ~~goats~~, and ~~cattle~~, ~~whose manure contributes to methane~~ emissions ~~when left on the~~ pasture. ~~The regional climate, soil types, and grazing practices influence~~ the ~~rate~~ and ~~extent of~~ methane release ~~from manure deposits in this environment~~.		Manure left on pasture emissions occur globally wherever livestock grazing is practiced. Pasturelands span diverse climatic and geographic regions, from temperate grasslands to tropical savannas. The extent and intensity of these emissions depend on factors such as animal density, pasture management, climate conditions, and soil characteristics. Because this signal is not geographically scoped within the SIGNAL system, it encompasses emissions from all pasture-based livestock systems worldwide. Pasture ecosystems serve as the environmental medium where microbial activity in manure under aerobic and anaerobic conditions leads to methane production and release into the atmosphere.

	== Monitoring and Measurement ==		== Monitoring and Measurement ==
	~~Methane~~ emissions from manure left on ~~pastures are~~ typically ~~monitored through~~ a combination of field measurements, remote sensing, and modeling approaches. Field studies ~~may involve chamber-based gas~~ flux ~~measurements~~ to ~~capture~~ methane release rates directly from manure deposits under ~~varying environmental~~ conditions. ~~Remote sensing data can assist in mapping pasture extent~~ and ~~livestock density~~, ~~which are inputs~~ for ~~emission~~ modeling. ~~Scientific institutions and environmental~~ agencies ~~employ Earth system models~~ and ~~gridded datasets to estimate manure nitrogen production~~ and ~~associated methane emissions at regional~~ and ~~global scales, as exemplified by datasets covering~~ the ~~period from 1860 to 2014~~.		Monitoring of methane emissions from manure left on pasture typically involves a combination of field measurements, remote sensing, and modeling approaches. Field studies use flux chambers or micrometeorological techniques to quantify methane release rates directly from manure deposits. These measurements are often complemented by laboratory incubation experiments to understand microbial processes under controlled conditions. Additionally, global datasets on manure nitrogen production and application, such as the gridded data developed for Earth system modeling, provide spatially explicit estimates that support emissions inventories. Institutions involved in agricultural greenhouse gas monitoring include national agricultural research agencies and international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Agriculture_Organization FAO]) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergovernmental_Panel_on_Climate_Change IPCC]).

	Within the SIGNAL system, this phenomenon is treated as a defined environmental signal whose boundaries and measurement conventions are described below.		Within the SIGNAL system, this phenomenon is treated as a defined environmental signal whose boundaries and measurement conventions are described below.

	== Signal Definition ==		== Signal Definition ==
	This signal ~~measures~~ methane emissions ~~resulting specifically~~ from animal manure that ~~remains~~ deposited on pasture ~~lands~~. It ~~quantifies~~ the ~~release of~~ methane ~~gas produced by~~ anaerobic ~~microbial~~ decomposition of manure ~~in situ on grazing areas~~, excluding emissions from manure ~~that is collected, stored,~~ or ~~otherwise managed off-pasture~~. The measurement ~~focuses on methane as~~ the ~~environmental medium of interest, reflecting its role as a greenhouse gas emitted from this source~~.		This signal quantifies methane emissions originating from animal manure that is deposited and left on pasture surfaces without collection or treatment. It specifically measures the methane flux resulting from anaerobic decomposition processes in manure under pasture conditions, excluding emissions from manure managed in storage or treatment facilities. The canonical measurement unit and temporal structure for this signal are to be determined within the SIGNAL framework.

	== Boundary Conditions ==		== Boundary Conditions ==
	~~Included within this signal are~~ methane emissions from manure deposited ~~directly~~ on ~~pasturelands where livestock graze~~, ~~encompassing~~ emissions ~~generated~~ by microbial activity ~~under natural field conditions~~. ~~Excluded are~~ methane emissions from manure ~~handled through storage systems such as lagoons~~, ~~composting facilities~~, or ~~applied~~ as ~~fertilizer to croplands. Emissions~~ from enteric fermentation or other livestock-related sources not involving manure left on pasture are also excluded~~. The spatial boundaries correspond to designated pasture areas within Afghanistan, and temporal boundaries align with periods when manure is present and active methane production occurs~~.		Boundary inclusions encompass methane emissions from manure directly deposited by grazing animals on pasture soils, including emissions influenced by local soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity. Boundary exclusions include methane emissions from manure that has been collected, stored, composted, or otherwise managed off-pasture, as well as emissions from enteric fermentation or other livestock-related sources not involving manure left on pasture. Emissions from synthetic fertilizers or other agricultural inputs are also excluded from this signal.

	== Aggregation Semantics ==		== Aggregation Semantics ==
	Geographic aggregation involves compiling ~~emissions data~~ across ~~pasturelands within Afghanistan to provide regional estimates~~. Temporal aggregation ~~may consider~~ seasonal ~~variations reflecting~~ changes ~~in temperature, moisture,~~ and ~~grazing patterns that affect methane production rates~~. Cross-signal aggregation ~~allows integration~~ with related agricultural ~~methane emission signals,~~ such as those from enteric fermentation and ~~other~~ livestock ~~emissions,~~ to ~~develop~~ comprehensive ~~assessments~~ of ~~agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas inventories~~. Aggregation ~~methods ensure~~ that ~~overlapping sources are accounted for without~~ double counting~~, supporting accurate environmental monitoring~~.		Geographic aggregation for this signal involves compiling methane emission estimates across various pasture regions globally, reflecting the widespread distribution of grazing systems. Temporal aggregation considers emission variations over time, including seasonal and interannual changes influenced by climatic and management factors. Cross-signal aggregation may integrate this signal with related agricultural emissions such as those from enteric fermentation and livestock manure management to provide a comprehensive assessment of methane sources within agricultural systems. Aggregation notes specify that care must be taken to avoid double counting emissions across related signals and to harmonize temporal and spatial scales during integration.

	== Observational Status ==		== Observational Status ==
	Current observational data for ~~this signal~~ rely on a combination of ~~empirical~~ measurements and modeled estimates ~~derived from~~ global manure nitrogen production ~~datasets and emission factors~~. ~~While direct~~, ~~high-resolution monitoring specific~~ to ~~Afghanistan's pasture manure emissions may be limited~~, ~~existing datasets provide a foundation for regional assessments~~. Future SIGNAL releases may incorporate ~~improved spatial and temporal resolution~~, ~~enhanced monitoring backbones~~, and ~~refined emission factors~~ to ~~better capture variability~~ and ~~trends~~ in ~~this emission source~~.		Current observational data for manure left on pasture emissions rely on a combination of field measurements and modeled estimates, with ongoing efforts to improve spatial resolution and temporal coverage. The availability of gridded global datasets on manure nitrogen production supports enhanced emissions modeling. However, uncertainties remain due to variability in grazing practices, environmental conditions, and measurement methodologies. Future SIGNAL releases may incorporate refined observational backbones, standardized units, and more detailed temporal structures to improve the accuracy and usability of this signal in environmental assessments.

	== Related Signals ==		== Related Signals ==

Rtuffli: SIGNAL publish from draft v592

2026-05-31T02:47:41Z

SIGNAL publish from draft v592

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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em; width:320px;"
|+ SIGNAL Earth Structured Data
|-
! Object type
| Damage Signal
|-
! SIGNAL Earth ID
| DS-00884
|-
! Observable type
| —
|-
! Unit
| —
|-
! Temporal structure
| —
|-
! Monitoring backbone
| —
|}


{{SignalTerm|type=DS|id=DS-00884|label=Agriculture — Manure left on Pasture Emissions}} refers to the release of methane gas from animal manure that remains deposited on pasture lands. This phenomenon is a component of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the overall methane budget in terrestrial ecosystems. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential higher than carbon dioxide over short timescales, making its sources important to quantify and monitor.

In regions such as Afghanistan, where pastoral agriculture is a significant land use, manure left on pastures can be a notable source of methane emissions. These emissions arise from microbial processes in manure under anaerobic conditions, influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil characteristics. Understanding and quantifying these emissions supports broader assessments of agriculture's environmental impact.

Within the context of global environmental monitoring, this signal helps characterize the contribution of manure management practices on pasturelands to methane emissions, informing scientific assessments of agricultural emissions and their role in climate dynamics.

== Geographic / System Context ==
The geographic scope of this signal is Afghanistan, a country with diverse agro-ecological zones where pastoralism and livestock grazing are common. Pasturelands in Afghanistan vary from arid and semi-arid rangelands to more fertile upland areas. These landscapes support livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle, whose manure contributes to methane emissions when left on the pasture. The regional climate, soil types, and grazing practices influence the rate and extent of methane release from manure deposits in this environment.

== Monitoring and Measurement ==
Methane emissions from manure left on pastures are typically monitored through a combination of field measurements, remote sensing, and modeling approaches. Field studies may involve chamber-based gas flux measurements to capture methane release rates directly from manure deposits under varying environmental conditions. Remote sensing data can assist in mapping pasture extent and livestock density, which are inputs for emission modeling. Scientific institutions and environmental agencies employ Earth system models and gridded datasets to estimate manure nitrogen production and associated methane emissions at regional and global scales, as exemplified by datasets covering the period from 1860 to 2014.

Within the SIGNAL system, this phenomenon is treated as a defined environmental signal whose boundaries and measurement conventions are described below.

== Signal Definition ==
This signal measures methane emissions resulting specifically from animal manure that remains deposited on pasture lands. It quantifies the release of methane gas produced by anaerobic microbial decomposition of manure in situ on grazing areas, excluding emissions from manure that is collected, stored, or otherwise managed off-pasture. The measurement focuses on methane as the environmental medium of interest, reflecting its role as a greenhouse gas emitted from this source.

== Boundary Conditions ==
Included within this signal are methane emissions from manure deposited directly on pasturelands where livestock graze, encompassing emissions generated by microbial activity under natural field conditions. Excluded are methane emissions from manure handled through storage systems such as lagoons, composting facilities, or applied as fertilizer to croplands. Emissions from enteric fermentation or other livestock-related sources not involving manure left on pasture are also excluded. The spatial boundaries correspond to designated pasture areas within Afghanistan, and temporal boundaries align with periods when manure is present and active methane production occurs.

== Aggregation Semantics ==
Geographic aggregation involves compiling emissions data across pasturelands within Afghanistan to provide regional estimates. Temporal aggregation may consider seasonal variations reflecting changes in temperature, moisture, and grazing patterns that affect methane production rates. Cross-signal aggregation allows integration with related agricultural methane emission signals, such as those from enteric fermentation and other livestock emissions, to develop comprehensive assessments of agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas inventories. Aggregation methods ensure that overlapping sources are accounted for without double counting, supporting accurate environmental monitoring.

== Observational Status ==
Current observational data for this signal rely on a combination of empirical measurements and modeled estimates derived from global manure nitrogen production datasets and emission factors. While direct, high-resolution monitoring specific to Afghanistan's pasture manure emissions may be limited, existing datasets provide a foundation for regional assessments. Future SIGNAL releases may incorporate improved spatial and temporal resolution, enhanced monitoring backbones, and refined emission factors to better capture variability and trends in this emission source.

== Related Signals ==
* Anthropogenic nitrous oxide emissions
* Agriculture — Emissions from livestock Emissions
* Agriculture — Enteric Fermentation Emissions


== Key Associated People ==
* '''Bowen Zhang''' (Auburn University) [Lead author]



== Sources ==
* [https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/9/667/2017/essd-9-667-2017-relations.html Global manure nitrogen production and application in cropland during 1860–2014: a 5 arcmin gridded global dataset for Earth system modeling — 2017]