A Critical Analysis of Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emission Drivers and Mitigation Approaches

Agricultural activities are major contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions accounting for 40% and 60% of total agricultural emissions, respectively. Therefore, developing effective emission reduction pathways in agriculture is crucial for achieving carbon budget balance. This article synthesizes the impact of farmland management practices on GHG emissions, evaluates prevalent accounting methods and their applicable scenarios, and proposes mitigation strategies based on systematic analysis. The present review (2000–2025) indicates that fertilizer management dominates research focus (accounting for over 50%), followed by water management (approximately 18%) and tillage practices (approximately 14%). Critically, the effects of these practices extend beyond GHG emissions, necessitating concurrent consideration of crop yields, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct joint research by integrating multiple approaches such as water-saving irrigation, conservation tillage and intercropping of leguminous crops, so as to enhance productivity and soil quality while reducing emissions. The GHG accounting framework and three primary accounting methods (In situ measurement, Satellite remote sensing, and Model simulation) each exhibit distinct advantages and limitations, requiring scenario-specific selection. Further refinement of these methodologies is imperative to optimize agricultural practices and achieve meaningful GHG reductions.