Assessing of energy indices and environmental impacts of potato production (Case study: Fereydoonshahr region, Isfahan province)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Former Graduate Student, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran

2 Professors, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran

Abstract

By increasing crops yield due to intensive use of agricultural machinery and energy inputs, utilized
energy in agriculture has been increasing rapidly which negative environmental impacts on water,
air and soil are its consequences. In this paper, potato production in Isfahan province was studied
using life cycle assessment approach from the standpoint of energy consumption and environmental
impacts. Functional unit and system boundary were determined to be one hectare and the farm gate,
respectively. Moreover, the environmental impacts of inputs application rate were interpreted in
three impact categories: global warming potential, human toxicity and eutrophication. Results
revealed that the highest proportion of energy consumption belonged to electricity. In addition,
chemical fertilizers and diesel fuel showed the greatest impact on global warming potential and
eutrophication. However, Pesticides had insignificant contribution to the total energy input; they
had the greatest effect on human toxicity with a share of 70%. Among the emissions of chemical
fertilizers, N2O had the highest impact with a share of 97% on global warming potential. Phosphate
and Diazinon played an important role with 68% (each one) in the impact categories of
eutrophication and human toxicity respectively.

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 June 2012
  • Revise Date: 22 January 2014
  • Accept Date: 05 February 2013

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