Question
Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?
Correct Answer — B
Explanation
Correct answer: (b) Rice
Anaerobic conditions in flooded paddy fields let methanogenic bacteria decompose organic matter and release methane — flooded rice cultivation contributes roughly 11% of global anthropogenic methane emissions.
Heavy nitrogen-fertiliser use combined with alternating soil-moisture conditions also makes rice paddies a channel for direct nitrous oxide (N₂O) release — making rice the standout crop for both greenhouse gases.