DOCSLIB.ORG

Global Database of GHG Emissions Related to Feed Crops Methodology

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Global Database of GHG Emissions Related to Feed Crops Methodology VERSION 1 Global database of GHG emissions related to feed crops Methodology LIVESTOCK ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND http://www.fao.org/partnerships/leap PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP VERSION 1 Global database of GHG emissions related to feed crops Methodology FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS and Rome, 2017 Recommended Citation FAO. 2017. Global database of GHG emissions related to feed crops: Methodology. Version 1. Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance Partnership. FAO, Rome, Italy. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO. ISBN 978-92-5-130101-2 © FAO, 2016 FAO encourages the use, reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Except where otherwise indicated, material may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate acknowledgement of FAO as the source and copyright holder is given and that FAO’s endorsement of users’ views, products or services is not implied in any way. All requests for translation and adaptation rights, and for resale and other commercial use rights should be made via www.fao.org/contact-us/licence-request or addressed to [email protected]. FAO information products are available on the FAO website (www.fao.org/publications) and can be purchased through [email protected] Contents 1. INTroDUCTION 1 1.1 Goal and objectives 1 1.2 Scope of the study 1 1.3 Intended application 1 1.4 Outline of the report 1 2. THE GLOBAL FEED SECTOR 3 3. CroP MANagEMENT PracTICEs 5 4. METHODOLOGY 9 4.1 Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology 9 4.2 Functional unit 9 4.3 System boundary 9 4.4 Allocation of GHG emissions 10 4.5 Emissions from the cultivation of crops 11 4.6 Carbon dioxide emissions from crop production 12 4.6.1 CO2 emissions from the production of energy for crop production 12 4.6.2 CO2 emissions from the production of synthetic fertilizer and lime 12 4.6.3 CO2 emissions from production of pesticides 13 4.6.4 CO2 emissions from the production, amortisation and maintenance of farm machinery and equipment 13 4.6.5 CO2 emissions from land use change 14 4.6.6 CO2 emissions from on-farm machinery use for field operations 14 4.6.7 CO2 emissions from the abstraction of ground water for irrigation 15 4.6.8 CO2 emissions from application of agricultural lime 16 4.7 Nitrous oxide emissions from soils 17 5. CHALLENGES AND FUTURE WORK 19 6. REFERENCEs 21 iii Global database of GHG emissions related to feed crops - A methodology 1. Introduction 1.1 GoaL AND OBJECTIVES The wider context for this study is to ensure that benchmarking of livestock sup- ply chains is based on internationally recognized and harmonized methodology and datasets. The overall goal of this assessment is to develop a robust life cycle inventory (LCI) and emission intensity database. Specific objectives were to estab- lish a global database of emission intensities for major feed crops disaggregated by production practices and country as well as provide a consolidated database of life cycle inventories to support continued benchmarking of livestock supply chains. 1.2 ScoPE OF THE STUDY The main focus is on the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions arising from the cultivation phase in crop production. The study focuses on 5 main crops: maize, wheat, barley, cassava and soybean. The assessment covers the major GHG emis- sions: CO2, N2O and CH4 and includes all major processes from raw material pro- duction through to on-farm cultivation to the field-gate. In addition, the analysis incorporates carbon stock changes associated with land-use change. Results from this analysis are presented in a database which provides information on the life cycle inventory per crop and the emission intensities associated with the cultivation of the crop. Users are able to query the database to access aggregate information on emission intensities per crop disaggregated by production system and country. 1.3 INTENDED APPLICATION Emissions attributed to feed production are required to compute any life cycle as- sessment (LCA) of livestock supply chains. There is however no global dataset on emissions related to feed ingredients available to the practitioners and available data is generally of limited geographical relevance. This database is intended to support benchmarking and evaluation of livestock supply chains. 1.4 OUTLINE OF THE REPORT This report presents the information on the background to the study, the approach and methodology applied. It also presents and discusses the results from the anal- ysis of GHG emissions. An accompanying document “A life cycle inventory for wheat, maize, barley, soybean and cassava” provides more detailed information on the life cycle inventory (LCI). Section 2 and 3 of this report presents a brief overview of the global feed sector and crop production practices, respectively. Section 4 provides an overview of the approach and methodology applied in the assessment of GHG emissions for the five crops. This information is supplemented by an accompanying document that presents background information on the life cycle inventories of the crops. Section 5 and 6 presents an initial discussion on uncertainty and key challenges and future work that will be undertaken. 1 Global database of GHG emissions related to feed crops - A methodology 2. The Global Feed Sector The future for farming and agriculture holds many challenges, not least the contin- ued efforts to optimize resource use and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This needs to be set against the urgent and growing need to improve productivity to meet the anticipated requirements to provide more food, feed and fuel, for a growing global population. These challenges are and will increasingly be influenced by the availability and price of resources as well as by policies set to meet carbon emissions targets and other sustainability requirements. The animal feed industry plays an important role in the global supply of food, enabling production of animal protein throughout the world. Feed is the largest and most important component to ensuring safe, abundant and affordable supply of an- imal protein. At the same time, producing feed for livestock production is resource demanding: it occupies one-third of the world’s ice-free surface and consumes 8% of global human water use, mainly for the irrigation of feed crops (FAO, 2006). The area dedicated to feed-crop production represents 33 percent of total arable land. Feed production demands high energy inputs and chemicals, land and water resources — all of which are becoming increasingly scarce. Resource scarcity, on-going global warming and frequent and drastic climatic vagaries, increased competition for resources (land, energy, water and nutrients), coupled with in- creasing resource prices will further pose a greater challenge to the sustainabil- ity of food and feed production systems. Similarly, Increase in the use of food crops for animal feeds and for biofuel production could have serious implica- tions for food security. In 2005, the livestock sector consumed 6.3 billion tons of feed biomass. Feed use differs considerably depending on the region, livestock production systems and species; most feed-grain (69 percent) is fed to pigs and poultry in regions where industrial, intensive systems dominate production (W. Europe, North America, East Asia, and Central and South America). The rest is used for dairy production in mixed systems globally and for feedlot operations, notably in North America, Western Europe and Central and South America. A prelimi- nary assessment identified maize, wheat, barley, soybean and cassava as major crops utilized for animal feed. Globally, feed production, processing and transport contributed about 3.2 Gt CO2 eq.; accounting for about 45 percent of the sector’s emissions (Figure 1, Gerber et al., 2013). The main source of GHG emissions in most livestock supply chains is feed production (de Vries and de Boer, 2010). Dominant GHGs emitted during feed production include carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide and to a lesser extent, methane (Duxbury, 1994; Herrero et al., 2009). 3 Global database of GHG emissions related to feed crops - A methodology Figure 1 Contribution of feed production and processing to GHG emissions from livestock Direct energy, CO2 1.5% Posarm, CO2 , 2.9% Indirect energy, CO2 , 0.3% Applied & deposited Manure MMS, N2O, 5.2% manure, N2O, 16.4% Manure MMS, CH4 , 4.3% Ferlizer & crop residues, N2O, 7.7% Feed: rice, CH4 , 0.4% 45% Feed producon and processing Feed, CO2 , 13.0% Enteric, CH4 , 39.1% LUC: soybean, CO2, 3.2% LUC: pasture expansion, CO2 , 6.0% Source: GLEAM, 2013 Cropping systems belong to complex production systems due to their depen- dence on environmental conditions that are variable in time (e.g. within a year, from year to year) and in space (e.g. varies by country, region, local site conditions). In addition, the correlation between inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) to out- puts (of harvested crop, gaseous field emissions, leachate, etc.) is complex and often non-linear in nature. Because of the high contribution of feed production to GHG emissions and the large variability in production systems, a robust and sound as- sessment of emissions is important.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Default Emissions from Biofuels
    Definition of input data to assess GHG default emissions from biofuels in EU legislation Version 1c - July 2017 Edwards, R. Padella, M. Giuntoli, J. Koeble, R. O’Connell, A. Bulgheroni, C. Marelli, L. 2017 EUR 28349 EN This publication is a Science for Policy report by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission’s science and knowledge service. It aims to provide evidence-based scientific support to the European policymaking process. The scientific output expressed does not imply a policy position of the European Commission. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that might be made of this publication. JRC Science Hub https://ec.europa.eu/jrc JRC104483 EUR 28349 EN PDF ISBN 978-92-79-64617-1 ISSN 1831-9424 doi:10.2790/658143 Print ISBN 978-92-79-64616-4 ISSN 1018-5593 doi:10.2790/22354 Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2017 © European Union, 2017 The reuse of the document is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged and the original meaning or message of the texts are not distorted. The European Commission shall not be held liable for any consequences stemming from the reuse. How to cite this report: Edwards, R., Padella, M., Giuntoli, J., Koeble, R., O’Connell, A., Bulgheroni, C., Marelli, L., Definition of input data to assess GHG default emissions from biofuels in EU legislation, Version 1c – July 2017 , EUR28349 EN, doi: 10.2790/658143 All images © European Union 2017 Title Definition of input data to assess GHG default emissions from biofuels in EU legislation, Version 1c – July 2017 Abstract The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) (2009/28/EC) and the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) (2009/30/EC), amended in 2015 by Directive (EU) 2015/1513 (so called ‘ILUC Directive’), fix a minimum requirement for greenhouse gas (GHG) savings for biofuels and bioliquids for the period until 2020, and set the rules for calculating the greenhouse impact of biofuels, bioliquids and their fossil fuels comparators.
    [Show full text]
  • Choosing Effective Liming Materials ► Acidic Soils Require Lime to Maintain the Proper Ph for Growing Crops and Forage
    AGRICULTURE Choosing Effective Liming Materials ► Acidic soils require lime to maintain the proper pH for growing crops and forage. Learn how to test and maintain your soil for optimal production. Most Alabama soils are naturally low in pH and must How Lime Recommendations be limed to create soil conditions that increase plant Are Determined nutrient availability and decrease aluminum toxicity. The ideal pH for most Alabama crops is in the range The amount of liming material needed to reach a target of 6.0 to 6.5. When the pH of a soil falls below a value soil pH depends on the soil’s current pH and the soil’s of 6.0, the availability of most macronutrients (such buffer pH. Soil pH is a measurement of the acidity or as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) needed for alkalinity of a soil, while buffer pH is used to measure crop and forage production begins to decrease. When the soil’s resistance to change in pH. pH increases above 6.5, the availability of most plant Soils that are high in organic matter and clay content micronutrients (such as zinc, manganese, copper, and have a higher buffering capacity. More lime is therefore iron) tends to decrease. required to raise the pH in these soils than in soils that Maintaining pH according to soil testing laboratory are sandy and low in organic matter. For example, a recommendations will ensure that the availability of sandy soil at pH 5.0 may require only 1 ton of ground all plant nutrients is maximized and that any fertilizers limestone to raise the pH to 6.5, while a clay soil at the applied to the soil will not go to waste.
    [Show full text]
  • Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality E.L
    University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment ID-163 Cooperative Extension Service Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality E.L. Ritchey, L.W. Murdock, D. Ditsch, and J.M. McGrath, Plant and Soil Sciences; F.J. Sikora, Division of Regulatory Services oil acidity is one of the most important soil factors affect- Figure 1. Liming acid soils increases exchangeable Ca and Mg. Sing crop growth and ultimately, yield and profitability. It is determined by measuring the soil pH, which is a measure Acid Soil Limed Soil Ca2+ H+ H+ Ca2+ Ca2+ of the amount of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. As soil Lime Applied H+ H+ H+ H+ Ca2+ acidity increases, the soil pH decreases. Soils tend to be + + + 2+ + naturally acidic in areas where rainfall is sufficient to cause H H H Mg H substantial leaching of basic ions (such as calcium and mag- nesium), which are replaced by hydrogen ions. Most soils in Kentucky are naturally acidic because of our abundant rainfall. Nitrogen fertilization can also contribute to soil acid- The majority of the hydrogen ions are actually held on ity as the nitrification of ammonium increases the hydrogen cation exchange sites. To effectively neutralize soil acidity, ion concentration in the soil through the following reaction: hydrogen ions must be removed from both the soil solution and the exchange sites. While soil pH only measures the solu- + - - + NH4 + 2O2 --> NO3 = H2O + 2H tion hydrogen, the buffer pH is an indication of exchangeable acidity and how much ag lime is actually needed. It is possible Periodically, agricultural limestone (ag lime) is needed to for two soils to have the same water pH but different lime neutralize soil acidity and maintain crop productivity.
    [Show full text]
  • Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality Greg Schwab University of Kentucky, [email protected]
    University of Kentucky UKnowledge Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications Cooperative Extension Service 3-2007 Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality Greg Schwab University of Kentucky, [email protected] Lloyd W. Murdock University of Kentucky, [email protected] David C. Ditsch University of Kentucky, [email protected] Monroe Rasnake University of Kentucky, [email protected] Frank J. Sikora University of Kentucky, [email protected] See next page for additional authors Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits oy u. Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/anr_reports Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Environmental Sciences Commons Repository Citation Schwab, Greg; Murdock, Lloyd W.; Ditsch, David C.; Rasnake, Monroe; Sikora, Frank J.; and Frye, Wilbur, "Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality" (2007). Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications. 76. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/anr_reports/76 This Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Cooperative Extension Service at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Authors Greg Schwab, Lloyd W. Murdock, David C. Ditsch, Monroe Rasnake, Frank J. Sikora, and Wilbur Frye This report is available at UKnowledge: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/anr_reports/76 ID-163 Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality G.J. Schwab, L.W. Murdock, D. Ditsch, and M. Rasnake, UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences; F.J. Sikora, UK Division of Regulatory Services; W.
    [Show full text]
  • Lime Guidelines for Field Crops in New York
    Lime Guidelines for Field Crops in New York. First Release. CSS E06-2. June 2006. LIME GUIDELINES FOR FIELD CROPS IN NEW YORK Quirine M. Ketterings, W. Shaw Reid, and Karl J. Czymmek Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Extension Series E06-2 Cornell University June 9, 2006 Quirine M. Ketterings is Associate Professor of Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University. W. Shaw Reid is Emeritus Professor of Soil Fertility, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University. Karl J. Czymmek is Senior Extension Associate in Field Crops and Nutrient Management with PRO-DAIRY, Cornell University. Lime Guidelines for Field Crops in New York. First Release. CSS E06-2. June 2006. Acknowledgments: We thank Carl Albers, Area Field Crops Extension Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler Counties, for his review of an earlier draft of this extension bulletin. Correct citation: Ketterings, Q.M., W.S. Reid, and K.J. Czymmek (2006). Lime guidelines for field crops in New York. First Release. Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Extension Series E06-2. Cornell University, Ithaca NY. 35 pages. Downloadable from: http://nmsp.css.cornell.edu/nutrient_guidelines/ For more information: For more information contact Quirine Ketterings at the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University, 817 Bradfield Hall, Ithaca NY 14583, or e- mail: [email protected]. Nutrient Management Spear Program Collaboration among the Cornell University Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, PRODAIRY and Cornell Cooperative Extension http://nmsp.css.cornell.edu/ Lime Guidelines for Field Crops in New York. First Release.
    [Show full text]
  • Lime for Michigan Soils
    Extension Bulletin E-471 • Revised • December 2010 LIME FOR MICHIGAN SOILS Darryl Warncke, Laura Bast and Don Christenson Department of Crop and Soil Sciences pplying lime to agricultural soils can provide farm- WHAT IS SOIL ACIDITY? ers with a very good return on investment. Long- Although the use of synthetic fertilizers contributes to soil term experiments in Michigan and other Great Lakes A acidity, soil acidification results from the natural leaching states indicate that every dollar spent on agricultural lime of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) from the soil and the applied according to soil test recommendations returns decomposition of plant residues. Positively charged hydro- $5 to $10. Liming acid soils improves nutrient availability, gen ions in the soil solution (water in the soil) and on the microbial activity and overall soil productivity. Soil-applied surface of clay and organic matter particles that make up the lime neutralizes (or corrects) acidity, a soil chemical condi- soil contribute to the active acidity of the soil. Soil pH is tion that affects the growth of crops. Lime also supplies soil the measure of this active acidity. A pH value below 7.0 is with two essential plant nutrients: calcium and magnesium. acid, 7.0 is neutral, and above 7.0 is alkaline, Recent soil test summaries indicate that about 10 percent The amount or concentration of active acidity in the soil of Michigan’s 7.8 million acres of agricultural land need at solution depends on the number of hydrogen ions held by least 2.5 tons/acre of lime, for a total of 1.95 million tons the negatively charged soil particles of clay and organic mat- of lime needed statewide to neutralize soil acidity.
    [Show full text]
  • Pelletized Lime for Short-Term Treatment of Soil Acidity Gene Stevens and David Dunn University of Missouri-Delta Research Center
    Pelletized Lime for Short-Term Treatment of Soil Acidity Gene Stevens and David Dunn University of Missouri-Delta Research Center Correct soil pH is the cornerstone of a successful crop nutrient management program. Annual applications of nitrogen fertilizers on crops slowly produce acid conditions in fields. If low pH is not corrected by agricultural lime applications, soil acidity will reduce nutrient availability to plants (especially P), produce toxic levels of aluminum and manganese, and diminish the weed control activity of some herbicides. In recent years, agricultural fertilizer dealers have reported 2 to 3 fold increases in sales of pelletized lime. Pelletized lime is finely ground limestone, which is made into small pellets for broadcasting with conventional fertilizer equipment. Because pelletized lime is relatively expensive per ton, it is applied at lower rates (<300 lbs/acre) as compared to recommended rates of agricultural lime. A “1:10 ratio” rule of thumb has been promoted for comparing the short-term neutralizing effectiveness of pelletized lime to agricultural lime. (Example: if a soil test recommends the ENM equivalent of 2000 lbs of agricultural lime per acre apply 200 lbs of pelletized lime/acre). Most farmers realize that pelletized lime is not a long-term “fix”, but expect it to reduce soil acidity to tolerable levels for one year. Typically, farmers apply this material on fields that a landlord is unwilling to share part of the cost of applying agricultural lime or will not provide a lease agreement for more than one year. A study was initiated to evaluate the general philosophy of using finely ground lime to provide a short-term, “quick fix” of soil acidity and compare corn and cotton yield response of pelletized lime to agricultural lime.
    [Show full text]
  • Lime for Acid Soils
    Prepared for the Northern and Yorke NRM Board Lime for Acid Soils Sustainable Agriculture in the Northern and Yorke NRM Region. Lime is the most effective method for the treatment of acid soils. Within the Northern and Yorke Region there are more than 270,000 hectares of land susceptible to soil acidification that degrades the soil and reduces crop and pasture growth. Soil acidification tends to occur on the sands and sandy loams in the high rainfall areas, north of Kapunda through to Jamestown and from Crystal Brook through to Melrose with a smaller area around Redhill (Figure 1). Soil acidification is caused by an accumulation of hydrogen ions in the soil through the build-up of organic matter; addition and leaching of nitrogen from fertilisers and legumes and the removal of alkaline nutrients in plant and animal products. As the amount of hydrogen ions increases then soil acidity increases. When the soil falls below a soil pH of 5.0 (CaCl2) the productivity of even tolerant crops and pastures starts to fall, toxic amounts of aluminium can be released into the soil, microbial activity starts to decline and nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and molybdenum become less available. Table 1 shows the tolerance of plant species to soil acidity. Table 1: Tolerance of plants of soil acidity Species Tolerance Canola, faba beans, lucerne, annual medic Very Sensitive Barley, wheat, peas, phalaris Sensitive Lupins, wheat, sub-clover, cocksfoot, vetch, Tolerant fescue, perennial rye-grass Triticale, oats, seradella Very tolerant Lime for acid soils The use of lime will raise the soil pH and increase the productivity of crops and pastures.
    [Show full text]
  • Liming Acid Soils in Tennessee
    PB 1096 (Available online only) Liming Acid Soils in Tennessee Hubert Savoy Jr., Associate Professor, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science and Debbie Joines, Manager, UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center What is Soil Acidity? Soil acidity refers to the level of acids present in soils. As acid levels increase, the pH of the soil decreases. While the pH scale ranges from 0-14, most Tennessee soils range in value from 4.5 to 7.5. Soils with pH values greater than 7.0 are alkaline or sweet, and those with values of less than 7.0 are acid or sour (Figure 1). As the soil pH decreases below 7.0, the amount of acidity rapidly increases. For example, a pH of 5.0 is 10 times more acidic than 6.0 and 100 times more acidic than a pH of 7.0. Soil test results indicate that approximately 40 to 60 percent of the cropland in Tennessee is too acidic for optimum crop production. Because of this, determining the need for lime by soil testing should be the first step in developing a sound crop fertilization program. Figure 1. The pH Scale (Source: NCSA). Lime neutralizes excess soil acids and increases soil pH which is a measure of soil acidity. Levels of Causes of Soil Acidity extractable aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) are Several factors contribute to soil acidity. Acid levels reduced to a nontoxic range as soil pH increases. If increase as basic nutrients (calcium, magnesium and not limed as needed, soils continue to become more potassium) are replaced by hydrogen through soil acidic, reducing the potential for production of healthy erosion, leaching and crop removal.
    [Show full text]
  • Biosolids Management Plan
    FINAL BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT PLAN Prepared by February 2008 WB022008001GNV Contents Section Page Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... ES-1 Background ....................................................................................................................... ES-1 Biosolids Management Program .................................................................................... ES-1 Detailed Evaluation and Ranking of Biosolids Management Alternatives .............. ES-2 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................. 1-1 1.2 Project Scope ........................................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Evaluation Approach ............................................................................................. 1-1 1.3.1 Task 1 – Workshop No. 1: Project Kickoff.............................................. 1-1 1.3.2 Task 2 – Workshop No. 2: Framing the Issue ........................................ 1-2 1.3.3 Task 3 – Workshop No. 3: Preliminary Screening of Alternatives ..... 1-2 1.3.4 Task 4 – Workshop No. 4: Evaluation and Ranking of Screened Biosolids Alternatives ............................................................................... 1-2 1.3.5 Task 5
    [Show full text]
  • Calcium Carbonate
    Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet Common Name: CALCIUM CARBONATE Synonyms: Calcium Salt of Carbonic Acid, Chalk CAS Number: 1317-65-3 Chemical Name: Limestone RTK Substance Number: 4001 Date: July 2015 DOT Number: NA Description and Use EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE LAST PAGE Calcium Carbonate is a white to tan odorless powder or Hazard Summary odorless crystals. It is used in human medicine as an antacid, Hazard Rating NJDOH NFPA calcium supplement and food additive. Other uses are HEALTH 1 - agricultural lime and as additive in cement, paints, cosmetics, FLAMMABILITY 0 - dentifrices, linoleum, welding rods, and to remove acidity in REACTIVITY 0 - wine. REACTIVE Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe Reasons for Citation When Calcium Carbonate is heated to decomposition, it Calcium Carbonate is on the Right to Know Hazardous emits acrid smoke and irritating vapors. Substance List because it is cited by OSHA, NIOSH, and Calcium Carbonate is incompatible with ACIDS, EPA. ALUMINUM, AMMONIUM SALTS, MAGNESIUM, HYDROGEN, FLUORINE and MAGNESIUM. Calcium Carbonate mixed with magnesium and heated in a current of hydrogen causes a violent explosion. Calcium Carbonate ignites on contact with FLUORINE. Calcium Carbonate contact causes irritation to eyes and skin. SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5. Inhaling Calcium Carbonate causes irritation to nose, throat and respiratory system and can cause coughing. FIRST AID Eye Contact Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 Workplace Exposure Limits minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is lenses, if worn, while flushing.
    [Show full text]
  • Liming to Improve Soil Quality in Acid Soils
    SOIL QUALITY – AGRONOMY TECHNICAL NOTE No. 8 Liming To Improve Soil Quality in Acid Soils Soil pH is an excellent chemical indicator of soil quality. Farmers can improve the soil quality of acid soils by liming to adjust pH to the levels needed by the crop to be grown. Benefits of liming include increased nutrient availability, improved soil structure, and increased rates of infiltration. United States Department of This technical note addresses the following topics: (1) soil pH, (2) liming Agriculture benefits, (3) liming materials, and (4) practical applications. Natural Resources Soil pH Conservation Service Understanding soil pH is essential for the proper management and optimum soil and crop productivity. In aqueous (liquid) solutions, an acid is a substance that donates hydrogen ions (H+) to some other substance (Tisdale et al., 1993). Soil Quality Institute 411 S. Donahue Dr. Auburn, AL 36832 Soil pH is a measure of the number of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. 334-844-4741 However, the actual concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil solution is actually X-177 quite small. For example, a soil with a pH of 4.0 has a hydrogen ion concentration in Technical the soil water of just 0.0001 moles per liter. (One mole is equal to the number of Note No. 8 hydrogen atoms in 1 gram of hydrogen). Since it is difficult to work with numbers like this, pH is expressed as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration, May 1999 which results in the familiar scale of pH ranging from 0-14. Therefore, pH = 4.0 = - log (0.0001).
    [Show full text]