Agricultural Activities as a Source of Air Pollution
Agricultural Activities as a Source of Air Pollution

Author(s): Anton Krastev
Subject(s): Economy, Agriculture, Energy and Environmental Studies
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: agricultural sector; pollution; air quality
Summary/Abstract: The problem of air pollution has many dimensions and causes. On the one hand, air pollution is caused by natural phenomena such as volcanoes, sandstorms, etc., and on the other hand, part of the pollution is caused by human activity. The agricultural sector is the basis for feeding the population on the one hand, but on the other hand, the development of agricultural activities has negative consequences on the quality of atmospheric air. In fact, emissions from agricultural activities are considered one of the main causes of air pollution worldwide, which is known to harm both the environment and human health. Livestock and crop farming activities, through the use of pesticides and fertilizers, plowing, harrowing, burning biomass for energy and stubble, cultivation, sowing, harvesting, threshing, and grain processing, are examples of agricultural activities that are associated with the release of pollutants into the air, in particular particulate matter (PM), ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2), which are often used as a proxy for all pollutants generated by intensive agricultural activities. The main reason for the impact of the agricultural sector on air quality is the increase in the world population and the need for continuous development of the food sector, which in turn leads to excessive agricultural activities that have a negative impact on the atmosphere. The aim of the publication is to track and analyze changes related to air quality caused by agricultural activities. The thesis that, in addition to being a major polluter of atmospheric air, the agricultural sector is also seriously affected by air pollution will also be examined. The publication includes the following sections: Theoretical overview of the fundamental links between air pollution and the agricultural sector; Analysis of the situation in the country regarding air pollution from agricultural activities 3) Identification of possible good practices that would have a beneficial effect on pollution levels. Based on the information collected, key findings and conclusions will be proposed.

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