An assessment of ruminant systems and grassland soils in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Like many other economies in transition, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan face the dual challenge of promoting development and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and ruminant systems are central for achieving both goals. Given the important economic, nutritional and environmental roles that ruminant systems play in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, we conducted a GHG assessment (based on Tier 2 methodology according 2006 IPCC Guidelines) to understand the role of ruminants and grasslands in emissions and soil organic carbon sequestration in the region.
This study found that enteric methane and manure management are the predominant sources of emissions from cattle systems; however, the study found that regions with high GHG emissions from the cattle systems also had the highest soil carbon stocks. This is mainly due to the high apportion of carbon into the soil from manure and organic amendments. Thus, in these regions, tailored practices could likely reduce GHG emissions through practices that can increase organic carbon storage.
This project was the first step in understanding the role of ruminants through advanced GHG accounting methods and serve as a basis for these countries to take on larger climate investment projects and catalyse climate action through sustainable livestock development.