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Remaining questions
The unpredictability of future changes in farm ecosystems, along with
uncertainties about even our current estimates of emissions, leave room
for further study of the ties between our farms and the atmosphere. The
most urgent goals may be the following:
- To improve further our estimates of current gas release, especially
for N2O. We need better ways of taking data from local measuring
points and extending them to larger areas, up to the national level.
- To find ways that will help Canada meet its international commitments
for reduced emissions of potentially harmful gases.
- To understand better how C, N, and other elements move through and
among plants, animals, soil, water, and air. Such understanding will show
us how the various gases and environmental issues are linked together and
how they interact. As well, it will help us to predict better how changing
farm practices will affect the environment.
- To learn how changes in our atmosphere will affect Canadian farming
in the future. Of particular importance may be the effects of climate change
(temperature and precipitation), increased CO2 concentration,
enhanced UV-B intensity, and increased ground-level O3. We need
to know how these will affect yields, crop types, animal productivity,
pests, and production costs. As well, we need to understand how these changes
will alter future emissions from agriculture to the air.
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