In the Macedonian national inventory total emissions, in the agricultural sector is noted as important contributes for NH3, NOx, TSP, PM10, PM2.5, and NMVOC. In 2023 the emission shares were 96 %, 2 %, 15,92 %, 16,94 %, 1,83 %, and 15 %, respectively. Figure 1 shows the emissions from NH3 in the agricultural sector, 2023.
Ammonia is a major air pollutant related with agricultural activities. The Livestock are the dominant source of ammonia emissions, contributing more than half (52%) of the total. This includes emissions from housing, storage, and direct excretion. Animal manure contributes with 19%, highlighting the significant impact of manure management. Urine and dung deposited by grazing animals 16%, Inorganic N- fertilizers contribute 13%. The following figure shows the emissions from NOX in the agricultural sector, 2023.
NOx emissions are primarily driven by inorganic N-fertilizers, with animal sources contributing a smaller but still relevant share. The dominant source of NOx emissions in this chart is Inorganic N-fertilizers, contributing 69%, Dairy cattle contribute the next largest share at 12%, Other animal-related sources, including other livestock (7%) and laying hens (5%), add to the emissions but are significantly smaller. Categories like swine, horses, turkeys, goats, and other poultry contribute negligible or 0% amounts. The next Figure 3 shows the emissions from NMVOC in the agricultural sector, 2023.
NMVOC emissions are more evenly shared between crops and animals, the top three contributors make up 80% of NMVOC emissions: Cultivated crops – 34%, Dairy cattle – 30%, Non-dairy cattle – 16%.
The following figure shows the emissions from PM2,5 in the agricultural sector for 2023.
Main source of PM2.5 is On-farm storage, handling, and transport with 51%, Significant animal sources: Dairy cattle 19%, Non-dairy cattle – 10%, Sheep – 8%, Poultry 5%, and others low % of contribution. Emissions from PM10 in the agricultural sector, 2023 are shown on Figure 5.
The main source of PM10 emissions in this inventory is on-farm storage, handling, and transport of agricultural products — contributing with 90% of total emissions, and all animal-related sources collectively contribute only 10%, with none of them individually above 3%. Figure 6 shows the emissions from TSP in the agricultural sector in 2023.
The largest portion of TSP emissions (72%) comes from on-farm storage, handling, and transport of agricultural products. This includes dust generated during grain handling, feed processing, and transport activities on farms, and Livestock Contributions of Laying hens 11%, Swine 7%, Dairy cattle 4%, Sheep 3%, Non-dairy cattle 2%, Other minor sources (horses, goats, broilers, turkeys, other poultry): each contribute 0–1%. These values reflect particulate emissions from livestock housing, manure management, and animal activity (like movement and feeding), which all generate dust and other suspended particles.
The main part of the NH3, NMVOC and PM2,5 (49%) emissions are related to the livestock production. The PM emissions NOx and especially the TSP emission is dominated by emission from On- farm storage, handling and transport of agricultural products, Inorganic N-fertilizers and cultivated crops. On the following figure trend of emissions from NH3 in the agricultural sector, 1990-2023.
The national air pollutant inventory, prepared in accordance with UNECE CLRTAP and EU requirements (NEC Directive), identifies agriculture as one of the primary sectors for NH₃ emissions, accounting for over 90% of total national ammonia emissions.
As we go over the trends in agricultural ammonia (NH₃) emissions in North Macedonia for livestock populations, the overall livestock population continuously decreased, especially for sheep, goats, and horses as well as poultry.
The total swine production increased by 8,3% between 1990 and 2023, mainly due to increased production of fattening pigs. Efforts are being made to improve data accuracy through better activity data and emission factors, as well as to introduce mitigation practices such as covered manure storage, precision fertilizer application, and reduced tillage techniques. Emissions from urine and dung deposited by grazing animals were an important source of ammonia (NH₃) within North Macedonia’s air pollution inventory. These emissions arise from the natural excretion of animals on pasture, with nitrogen in the urine and dung undergoing volatilization processes that release NH₃ into the atmosphere. Emissions from urine and dung deposited by grazing animals in 1990-2023 in North Macedonia showed moderate fluctuations.
