Impact of Air Quality in Agriculture

Impact of Air Quality in Agriculture and Solutions

In Texas, where agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy, understanding the impact of air quality in agriculture is critical for farms, agribusinesses, and property owners who rely on consistent crop and livestock performance. Air quality issues are not limited to urban areas. Air pollution in agricultural regions can include ozone, particulate matter, and other air pollutants that affect crop yield, livestock health, and human health in the surrounding community. RSB Environmental helps clients evaluate environmental risks, support regulatory compliance, and implement practical monitoring and mitigation strategies. This article explains how air quality affects agriculture in Texas, what pollutants matter most, and what steps business owners can take to reduce risk and improve outcomes.

Understanding Air Quality and Its Relevance to Agriculture

Air quality is a critical environmental factor affecting Texas agriculture. To fully grasp its impact, it helps to focus on (1) which pollutants are present, (2) where they come from, and (3) how weather and local conditions influence exposure. Air quality concerns for agriculture commonly involve:

• Ozone (ground level ozone): Can be absorbed by plant leaves and reduce photosynthesis, slowing growth and increasing stress on crops. 
• Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5): Dust, smoke, and fine particles that can affect visibility and contribute to respiratory impacts for people and animals.
• Agricultural emissions and gases: Including ammonia and nitrous oxide, often associated with animal operations and fertilizer use. 

In agricultural settings, sources of pollutants can include equipment exhaust, field operations, burning, windblown dust, fertilizer application, and animal feeding operations. These sources can interact with broader regional emissions and contribute to conditions that affect farms and nearby cities. Explore our air quality services to understand how these factors influence agricultural practices and how monitoring data can support better decisions.

The Significance of Air Quality in Agricultural Settings

Air quality directly affects the health and productivity of crops and livestock. Poor air quality can lead to reduced crop yields, compromised animal health, and operational disruption for Texas agricultural businesses. It can also increase risk for workers, residents, and surrounding communities, especially during high heat, drought, wildfire smoke events, or periods of elevated ozone and particulate matter. For many operations, the goal is not perfection. The goal is control: consistent monitoring, clear reporting, and practical mitigation steps that reduce exposure and support compliance.

The Effects of Air Quality on Crop Yield and Livestock Health

Crop Yield

Air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter can damage crops and reduce their growth and productivity. Ozone can enter plant leaves and reduce photosynthesis, which can slow growth and increase susceptibility to disease and other stressors. Particulate matter can also affect crop performance by reducing sunlight and depositing material on plant surfaces, depending on the type of particles and local conditions. In Texas, where weather patterns and seasonal conditions can shift quickly, the combination of ozone exposure, dust, and heat can increase risk to sensitive crops. Monitoring ozone and particulate matter levels, along with local weather data, helps farms understand when risk is elevated and which operational steps can reduce exposure.

Livestock Health

Livestock health is also at risk due to poor air quality. Airborne pollutants can contribute to respiratory issues, stress, and reduced productivity, which can increase operational costs over time. In and around animal housing, air quality concerns often include ammonia, dust, and fine particulate matter. Agriculture is a major contributor to ammonia emissions, particularly from animal raising operations, and these emissions can impact environmental conditions and pose danger to human health.  For businesses operating enclosed or high density livestock facilities, ventilation design, housekeeping, and manure management practices directly influence indoor air conditions and exposure.

Solutions for Mitigating Negative Impacts on Texas Agriculture

Implementing Air Quality Monitoring Systems

Monitoring systems provide critical data for protecting crops and livestock. A practical approach is to track the pollutants most relevant to your operation, such as ozone, particulate matter, and gases associated with agricultural emissions. Effective monitoring often includes:

• Selecting measurement points near fields, housing, or downwind boundaries
• Tracking pollutant levels alongside weather variables like wind, humidity, and temperature
• Setting internal thresholds that trigger specific actions, such as changing work schedules, adjusting ventilation, or delaying certain activities
• Keeping records for internal decision making and compliance support when required

Advanced monitoring can alert farmers to deteriorating air quality and help document patterns that affect productivity.

Adopting Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Sustainable practices, such as reduced tillage and cover cropping, can improve soil health and help mitigate the impact of air pollutants on crops. Sustainable approaches can also reduce dust generation and support better long term resilience, especially in regions affected by drought and climate variability. Additional practices that may support air quality and emissions reduction include:

• Improving fertilizer management to reduce excess application and limit emissions where feasible
• Managing field operations during high wind conditions to reduce dust and particulate matter
• Using buffers and vegetation to help reduce offsite movement of dust and pollutants
• Evaluating waste and manure management practices that may influence emissions and exposure

These practices also support broader sustainability goals and climate change adaptation planning.

Investing in Livestock Health Management

Proactive livestock health management, including adequate ventilation and air purification systems, is essential for maintaining animal health. In addition to equipment, management practices can reduce exposure and improve outcomes:

• Ventilation assessment and maintenance
• Dust control and housekeeping procedures
• Manure handling and storage practices that limit ammonia buildup
• Regular review of operational data and trends to identify recurring issues

For many facilities, the most effective approach combines equipment controls with routine inspection and documented corrective actions.