CO2 And CH4 Gas Emissions From Peatlands In An Tuc And O Lam Under Agricultural Land Conversion

Abstract

This study investigates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of CO₂ and CH₄ from two peatland sites in An Tuc and O Lam, An Giang Province, Vietnam—areas notable for their peat deposits that play a critical role in carbon storage. However, land-use changes, particularly the drainage of peatlands for agricultural purposes, have led to significant GHG emissions, contributing to global climate change. The objective of the study is to quantify CO₂ and CH₄ emissions from these two peatlands and assess the impact of land-use changes, especially the conversion of wetlands to agricultural land, on greenhouse gas emissions. The results show that the peat deposit in An Tuc has greater thickness, area, and volume than in O Lam, indicating differences in resource potential and management needs. CO₂ emissions showed no significant difference across land-use phases or between the study sites, suggesting that CO₂ emissions are less influenced by location or cultivation method. However, CH₄ emissions varied significantly by phase and location. Notably, during the land reclamation phase, CH₄ emissions in An Tuc were significantly higher (p < 0.05), reflecting the influence of site-specific soil, hydrological, and cultivation factors. The land reclamation phase is a CH₄ emission hotspot that requires targeted mitigation measures. These findings emphasize the need to understand the interactions between cultivation stages, local conditions, and greenhouse gas emissions to design effective land, water, and agricultural waste management strategies. The study provides essential scientific insights for developing sustainable agricultural policies on peatlands, especially appropriate land preparation techniques, smart farming practices, and strict control of straw burning to reduce GHG emissions and preserve the ecological integrity of the Mekong Delta.