Methane Emissions from Agriculture and Livestock — Reading Comprehension

Methane is a type of gas that is found in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is a greenhouse gas, which means it traps heat from the sun and helps keep our planet warm. However, too much methane in the atmosphere can cause problems for the environment.

One of the largest sources of methane comes from agriculture and livestock. Agriculture is the practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals for food. Livestock are animals like cows, sheep, and goats that are kept by people for meat, milk, wool, or other products.

Cows and other livestock produce methane during a process called digestion. When cows eat grass or other plants, their stomachs use special bacteria to break down the food. This process produces methane gas, which the cows release into the air when they burp. This is called enteric fermentation. In fact, one cow can produce up to 100 kilograms of methane each year!

Methane is also released from manure, which is animal waste. When manure is stored in large piles or tanks without much oxygen, microorganisms break down the waste and release methane into the air.

Farming fields can also produce methane, especially when they are flooded, like in rice paddies. When there is little oxygen in the water, bacteria create methane as they break down plants and soil.

Too much methane in the atmosphere makes the Earth warmer. This is called global warming. Scientists are studying ways to reduce methane emissions from agriculture. Some ideas include changing what cows eat, using special covers on manure tanks, and finding better ways to grow rice. Reducing methane can help slow down climate change and protect our environment.

Interesting Fact: 
Cows are responsible for more methane emissions than cars and trucks combined in some countries!

What is methane?

Which animal produces the most methane?

What is enteric fermentation?

How can farmers reduce methane?

What happens if there is too much methane?

Which field releases methane when flooded?

Methane is a greenhouse gas. True or false?

What does 'microorganisms' mean?