Factsheet: Greenhouse Gases and Soil Organic Carbon in Vegetable Production

Zach Spangler, Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist
Harvest New York

December 15, 2022
Factsheet: Greenhouse Gases and Soil Organic Carbon in Vegetable Production

The intersection of agricultural production and greenhouse gases is gathering increasing attention. This is an opportune time to consider how vegetable production interacts with carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions, and how using cover crops may alter this picture. 

The factsheet, Greenhouse Gases and Soil Organic Carbon in Vegetable Production and the Role of Cover Crops, discusses:

  • Sequestration of atmospheric carbon in agricultural soils as soil organic carbon (SOC). Is vegetable production impacting SOC?
  • Net greenhouse gas emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) from the soil.
  • Impact of cover crops on soil organic carbon, nitrous oxide emissions, and other GHG emissions.

This factsheet was written by Zach Spangler, CCE Harvest NY Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist, and Elizabeth Buck, CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Fresh Market Specialist.



Greenhouse Gases and Soil Organic Carbon in Vegetable Production (pdf; 559KB)


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November 12, 2025
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Companion planting (or intercropping) is an ancient method of increasing yields and maximizing growing space. Learn how to diversify your garden harvest while enjoying the mutual benefits of intercropping with mushrooms, such as improving soil health and water retention. Plan next spring's garden with guidance from Urban Agriculture Specialist Yolanda Gonzalez on growing three different types of mushrooms, from site selection to harvest. Take home a native plant to try!

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