GHGFarm - A Software Tool to Estimate and Reduce Net-Greenhouse Gas Emission from Farms in Canada

N.K. Newlands (Canada)

Keywords

Agriculture, ecosystems, greenhouse gases, mitigation, software

Abstract

Decision support software tools and computer simulation models help us to better understand the structure and func tioning of agricultural ecosystems - how to better manage them in a sustainable way. They assist in the synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge amongst stake-holders, au tomation of meta-analyses, communication and outreach. In this paper, we showcase the GHGFarm software tool for estimating and reducing net-greenhouse gas emission from farms. This software tool provides a capability for scientists, policy makers, and agricultural producers to col lectively quantify, interpret and compare alternative farm management scenarios, thereby encouraging the adoption of longer-term sustainable farm practices. Farmers can characterize their multi-enterprise operations and manage ment practices in a flexible way. Reduction scenarios are generated from current scientific knowledge and emis sion algorithms available (International Panel on Climate Change, IPCC), modified with Canadian-specific emission factors, local practices, topography, and climate conditions. We discuss the software development approach, highlight ing past and present challenges within the broader context of empirical software engineering and agricultural exten sion. We identify the need for a better resolved multi-user stream/flow design, enhancement of the graphical user in terface, expanded sensitivity testing and quantification of uncertainty.

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