Practical applications of carbon credits in the economy. Part XIV: Improving irrigation methods to reduce carbon emissions into the environment

DNHN - Professor Tran Dinh Hoi, Director of the Institute of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, believes that it is necessary to improve irrigation methods in agriculture to reduce carbon emissions into the environment.

Sir, why is carbon in agriculture an important issue to be concerned about in Vietnam?

Professor Tran Dinh Hoi: Carbon in agriculture is an important issue in Vietnam because it directly relates to environmental protection and sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

Specifically, carbon emissions from agriculture significantly contribute to global warming and climate change. Vietnam, one of the countries with a strongly developed agriculture, is facing severe consequences of climate change such as droughts, floods, seasonal changes, and land degradation.

Moreover, agriculture provides essential food sources for the population. Climate change and high carbon levels can affect agricultural output and food security, causing fluctuations and shortages in supply.

Carbon emissions from agriculture also cause environmental pollution and public health issues. Reducing carbon emissions in agriculture not only helps protect the environment but also improves air and water quality.

Vietnam has committed to participating in international agreements on climate change and reducing emissions, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Managing and reducing carbon emissions in agriculture is an important part of this commitment.

Therefore, paying attention to and addressing carbon issues in agriculture is not only an urgent task for environmental protection but also an opportunity to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and meet Vietnam’s international commitments.

Currently, what challenges is Vietnam facing related to carbon in agriculture?

Professor Tran Dinh Hoi: It can be seen that Vietnam is facing significant challenges related to carbon in agriculture, including the following issues:

Firstly, Vietnam has a large agriculture sector with the development of livestock farming, particularly cattle and pigs. The natural emission of methane from fertilizers and livestock waste contributes to the carbon emissions in the agricultural sector.

Secondly, the inefficient use of chemical fertilizers can lead to the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), increasing carbon emissions and contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Thirdly, poor land management in agriculture can lead to soil degradation, reducing the soil's carbon absorption capacity and causing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the breakdown of organic matter in the soil.

I believe that Vietnam is facing climate change and extreme weather, affecting agricultural and livestock production, making carbon management in agriculture more challenging. As part of its international commitments, Vietnam has joined the Paris Agreement and committed to reducing carbon emissions. To fulfill these commitments, the country must face the challenge of improving agricultural management and reducing carbon emissions.

These challenges require close cooperation between government agencies, researchers, and the farming community to develop more effective solutions in managing carbon in agriculture while ensuring sustainable development of Vietnam’s agricultural sector.

Can you point out which agricultural activities affect carbon levels in the environment in Vietnam?

Professor Tran Dinh Hoi: I believe that in Vietnam, agricultural activities affecting carbon levels in the environment include: the emission of methane from fertilizers and livestock waste, such as cattle and pigs. Also, the inefficient use of chemical fertilizers causes nitrous oxide emissions.

Additionally, climate change and extreme weather affect productivity and agricultural management, poor land management leads to soil degradation and carbon dioxide emissions from the soil.

What effective solutions can Vietnam apply to reduce carbon in agriculture?

Professor Tran Dinh Hoi: To reduce carbon levels in agriculture in Vietnam, several effective solutions can be applied, such as using organic fertilizers to improve the interaction between soil and crops, reducing nitrogen emissions from the soil. Implementing sustainable farming methods such as organic farming, minimal use of chemical fertilizers, and using straw mulch to reduce carbon emissions from the soil.

In addition, improving the management of manure and fertilizers, reducing methane emissions from livestock, and effectively treating organic fertilizers. Using advanced technology to reduce emissions during processing and storage of agricultural products. Promoting the use of renewable energy in agricultural activities such as solar and wind energy to reduce carbon emissions from agricultural activities.

These solutions not only help reduce carbon but also improve production efficiency and environmental sustainability in agriculture in Vietnam.

So, according to you, how can irrigation methods in agriculture in Vietnam be improved to reduce carbon emissions?

Professor Tran Dinh Hoi: To improve irrigation methods in agriculture in Vietnam and reduce carbon emissions, several solutions can be applied. Firstly, using modern technology and equipment such as soil moisture sensors, automatic irrigation systems to adjust the amount of water in line with the actual needs of crops, thus reducing excess water and carbon emissions.

Secondly, replacing traditional irrigation methods with drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, or misting systems to save water and reduce water evaporation.

Thirdly, creating a reasonable irrigation schedule based on weather forecasts and crop water needs to avoid over-irrigation during unnecessary times.

Fourthly, investing in irrigation systems using solar or wind energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel energy, helping to reduce carbon emissions from agricultural activities.

Finally, building wastewater management systems from irrigation to recycle water in agricultural production, minimizing wastewater and carbon emissions into the environment.

These solutions not only help improve water use efficiency in agriculture but also contribute positively to reducing carbon emissions, thereby enhancing production efficiency and protecting the environment in Vietnam.

Currently, in the agricultural sector in Vietnam, what irrigation solutions can be applied to effectively reduce carbon emissions, sir?

Professor Tran Dinh Hoi: In the agricultural sector in Vietnam, several irrigation solutions can be applied to effectively reduce carbon emissions. Below are some notable solutions:

Among them, using water-saving irrigation systems such as drip irrigation or misting can reduce the amount of water used in plant irrigation. By minimizing water consumption, this solution helps reduce the amount of energy needed to pump water and reduce carbon emissions from electric power usage.

Applying methods to manage water quality and quantity such as managing irrigation water, controlling wastewater, and recovering wastewater can reduce the amount of water used and minimize pollutant discharge. This helps cut down carbon emissions from the wastewater treatment and transportation process.

Notably, intelligent irrigation systems use technology to monitor and adjust water supply for crops. Parameters such as soil moisture, water flow, and crop water needs are measured and automatically adjusted, optimizing water use and reducing waste water. The result is a reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions related to the operation of irrigation systems.

Building water reservoirs to collect and store rainwater can help reduce reliance on irrigation water from external sources. By using collected rainwater, we can reduce water use from public water sources, lower the risk of water shortages, and reduce carbon emissions from water transportation.

Organic farming focuses on using organic fertilizers and biological pest control methods. By reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, this solution helps reduce carbon emissions from the production and use of chemical fertilizers.

I believe that to achieve maximum efficiency in reducing carbon emissions in the agricultural sector, a combination and diverse application of the above solutions is necessary.

Thank you, professor!

Phan Chinh