Which compares the gases released by fertilizers and gasses from landfills
Both fertilizers and landfills release gases, but the types and quantities of gases differ between the two.
Fertilizers primarily release nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) gases. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, while ammonia can react with other pollutants to form particulate matter and contribute to air pollution.
Landfills, on the other hand, release methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide. Landfills are one of the largest sources of anthropogenic methane emissions, contributing to climate change. Carbon dioxide is also released, but its contribution to climate change is relatively lower compared to methane.
In terms of quantities, landfills are major sources of methane emissions, contributing to around 17% of global methane emissions, while fertilizers contribute a smaller proportion of nitrous oxide emissions.
It is worth noting that both fertilizers and landfills can have environmental impacts beyond greenhouse gas emissions. For example, excessive use of fertilizers can lead to water pollution through the runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Landfills can contribute to soil and water contamination through the release of leachate, a liquid that forms as waste decomposes.