Terrestrial carbon balance in tropical Asia: Contribution from cropland expansion and land management

► Cropland expansion substantially decreased terrestrial carbon stocks in Tropical Asia during 1901-2005. ► More carbon emissions were from SE Asia though larger land areas in South Asia were converted to cropland. ► Nitrogen fertilizer use and irrigation could greatly reduce carbon emissions caused by crop expansion. ► Optimizing land management practices might be one of important climate mitigation options in Tropical Asia.