Environment and Ecology
2022
Environmental Pollution
Agriculture and Environment

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

A.Cotton
C.Sugarcane
D.Wheat
B.Rice

Correct Answer: Option B

Among the given options, rice cultivation is the most significant anthropogenic source of both methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Paddy fields provide an environment conducive to the production of these gases:

  • Methane is produced due to the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in flooded rice fields.
  • Nitrous oxide is released through nitrification and denitrification processes in the soil, with the rice plant acting as a conduit for N2O emission from the soil to the atmosphere.

Therefore, rice is the correct answer.