Emission of greenhouse gases due to anthropogenic activities: an environmental assessment from paddy rice fields.

Paddy rice fields (PRFs) are a potent source of global atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly CH and CO. Despite socio-environmental importance, the emission of GHGs has rarely been measured from Haryana agricultural fields. We have used new technology to track ambient concentration and soil flux of GHGs (CH, CO, and HO) near Karnal's Kuchpura agricultural fields, India. The observations were conducted using a Trace Gas Analyzer (TGA) and Soil Flux Smart Chamber over various parts, i.e., disturbed and undisturbed zone of PRFs. The undisturbed zone usually accounts for a maximum ambient concentration of ~ 2434.95 ppb and 492.46 ppm of CH and CO, respectively, higher than the average global concentration. Soil flux of CH and CO was highly varied, ranging from 0.18 to 11.73 nmol m s and 0.13-4.98 μmol m s, respectively. An insignificant correlation was observed between ambient concentration and soil flux of GHGs from PRFs. Waterlogged (i.e., irrigated and rain-fed) soil contributed slightly lower CH flux to the atmosphere. Interestingly, such an agricultural field shows low CO and CH fluxes compared to the field affected by the backfilling of rice husk ash (RHA). This article suggests farmers not mix RHA to increase soil fertility because of their adverse environmental effects. Also, this study is relevant in understanding the GHGs' emissions from paddy rice fields to the atmosphere, their impacts, and mitigating measures for a healthy ecosystem.