A roadmap for reducing the greenhouse gas footprint of Ontario grain production

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Grain production in Ontario is a source of significant jobs and economic output. Nitrogen fertilizer use in grain production is vital for sustaining high yields but also the main source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). In addition, a net loss of carbon from soils has been estimated over the last decades. To address GHG emissions and soil carbon loss, the grain production industry in collaboration with academics and government has focused on two main strategies: i) use of cover crops (CC) for increased soil carbon, and ii) the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place® for application of N fertilizer. Here we propose a multi-stakeholder partnership with industry, non-governmental organizations and government with the goals of: 1) evaluating synergies and trade-offs in the combined use of 4R and CC practices to reduce net GHG emissions from grain crop rotations; 2) improving algorithms and models used in sustainability metrics to reflect the use of 4R and CC practices including economic and behavioral aspects; and 3) developing a road-map for GHG reduction by the grain production sector in Ontario including an evaluation of the effective instruments to promote adoption of these practices. To achieve goal 1, we are proposing new field studies to evaluate the benefits from the combined use of these practices to reduce net GHG emissions, maximizing synergies and benefits. Addressing goal 2 will be crucial for tracking progress towards achieving targets by industry and government, such as Canada's recently announced goal of reducing fertilizer related emissions by 30% below 2020 levels. To this end, we will work with our partners to develop appropriate metrics and tools to determine the stacked practices (4Rs + CC) that are most cost-effective for GHG reduction while also considering adoption behavior. By combining biophysical, economic and behavioral results we will address goal 3 and develop a roadmap for GHG emission reduction in Ontario grain production considering various stakeholder roles (e.g. farmers, crop advisers, farm finance sector, government agencies). The proposed research will contribute to moving the grain production sector towards net-zero carbon emission targets.