Indirect nitrous oxide emissions of cattle in Ghana from manure management systems
Yeboah, E1., Sarkwa, F.O2#., Avornyo, F3.K., Domozoro, C.4, Addah, W5., Sottie, E.T.4, Marfo-Ahenkorah, E.4, Antwi, C.6, Idan, F.6, Ofori, S.A.7, Afedo, S.7, Ehumah, E.1, Senanu, C.6, and Timpong-Jones, E.C.2
1Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Soil Research Institute, Kumasi
2Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, University of Ghana, Legon
3Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Animal Research Institute, Nyankpala Station, Tamale
4Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Animal Research Institute, Frafraha, Accra
5Department of Animal Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale
6Department of Animal Science, Kwame University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
7Department of Animal Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 
#Correspondence: ofsarkwa@ug.edu.gh/ sarkwafelix@yahoo.com 
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of 280 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 100-year time frame. The objective of this study was to estimate indirect manure management nitrous oxide emissions from cattle in Ghana. Indirect nitrous oxide emissions from manure management were estimated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2019 updated equations under the Tier 2 methodology. These indirect N2O emissions were estimated from 1990 to 2022. The manure management systems were deep bedding, solid storage, dry lot, burned for fuel and pasture, range and paddock. A greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator tool specifically developed for Ghana was used to generate the indirect nitrous oxide emissions from manure management. The GHG calculator tool was prepared in a manner that it was able to generate emissions for both Tier 1 and Tier 2. The indirect N2O emission sources were from volatilization and leaching. The indirect manure management N2O emissions in Tier 2 methodology from dairy cattle, other cattle and total were in the range of 0.006-0.011 giga gram N2O, 0.179-0.351 giga gram N2O and 0.185-0.362 giga gram N2O, respectively. The indirect manure management N2O emissions in Tier 1 methodology from dairy cattle, other cattle and total ranged from 0.0005 to 0.0009 giga gram N2O, 0.0110 to 0.0215 giga gram N2O and 0.0114 to 0.0224 giga gram N2O, respectively. The tier 2 method uses a more detailed disaggregation of cattle activity and performance and therefore more likely to give a more accurate estimation of N2O emissions from manure management. This study also provides relevant information for developing strategies to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Keywords: Cattle, Greenhouse gas calculator tool, leaching, Tier 1, Tier 2, volatilization