Which greenhouse gas is primarily produced by agricultural practices and livestock?

Nitrous oxide is primarily produced by agricultural practices and livestock due to several specific processes. In agriculture, it is often released from soil management practices, especially the application of synthetic fertilizers. When these fertilizers are applied to crops, microbial activity in the soil can lead to the conversion of nitrogen from the fertilizer into nitrous oxide through a process known as denitrification.

Additionally, livestock contribute to nitrous oxide emissions through manure management and during the decomposition of organic materials within the soil. This makes nitrous oxide a significant byproduct of both plant and animal agricultural activities.

While carbon dioxide is also released from agricultural activities, especially through soil disturbance and crop respiration, it is not specific to agricultural practices as a primary byproduct. Ozone typically forms in the atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions involving various pollutants, not directly from agricultural practices. Carbon monoxide can be generated from burning biomass or fossil fuels but is less relevant in the context of direct agricultural emissions compared to nitrous oxide. Thus, nitrous oxide stands out as the greenhouse gas with a direct link to agricultural methods and livestock, making it the correct choice.