University of Wyoming researchers identify gap in livestock methane studies

Researchers at the University of Wyoming have identified a significant research gap regarding the relationship between livestock methane emissions and soil carbon sequestration. In a literature review published in the New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, the team analyzed 82 peer-reviewed papers concerning methane emissions from grazing cattle globally.

While beef cattle are a major source of methane—contributing 18% of total methane emissions in the United States—the study found that only two of the 82 reviewed papers simultaneously assessed both cattle emissions and soil carbon sequestration. These two studies indicated that certain grazing management systems could potentially allow soil carbon sequestration to more than offset the methane produced by cattle.

Lead researcher Nicki Nimlos noted that more research is required to simultaneously quantify grazing management, animal emissions, and soil carbon sequestration to inform future policy and management strategies.