1
|
Sabia E, Zanon T, Braghieri A, Pacelli C, Angerer V, Gauly M. Effect of slaughter age on environmental efficiency on beef cattle in marginal area including soil carbon sequestration: A case of study in Italian Alpine area. Sci Total Environ 2024; 918:170798. [PMID: 38336055 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The production of beef carries significant environmental repercussions on a worldwide level. Considering that the production of beef in Alpine mountainous regions, such as South Tyrol (Italy), constitutes a modest yet progressively growing segment within the local agricultural sector focus must be put on minimizing the environmental impact of producing one kilogram of meat, while also accounting for the carbon sequestered by Alpine pastures in such marginal areas. To this end 20 beef farms distributed in the South Tyrolean region (Italy) were divided based on the age at slaughter of the beef cattle: 10 farms with a slaughter age of 12 months (SA12) and 10 farms with a slaughter age of 24 months (SA24). Live cycle assessment (LCA) approach was used, and the impact was estimated using two functional units (FU): 1 kg of live weight (LW) and 1 kg of carcass weight (CW). Global warming potential (GWP100, kg CO2-eq), acidification potential (AP, g SO2-eq), and eutrophication potential (EP, g PO4-eq) were investigated. Furthermore, within the account, the carbon sequestered by pastures and permanent grassland has been included for estimated the overall carbon footprint. In terms of GWP100, the SA12 system proved to be significantly lower for both two functional units under studies, with reductions of 8.5 % and 7.4 % in terms of LW and CW, respectively, compared to the SA24 system, specifically, the SA12 system showed an environmental impact in terms of GWP100 of 19.5 ± 1.1 kg CO2-eq/kg LW, which was significantly lower than the SA24 system that exhibited a value of 22.9 ± 1.1 kg CO2-eq/kg LW (P < 0.05). When accounting for the carbon sequestered within the system, the observed values in terms of GWP100 are significantly lower for SA12 compared to SA24, 17.6 ± 1.5 vs. 20.9 ± 1.5 kg CO2-eq/Kg LW (P < 0.05), and 29.2 ± 2.5 vs. 38.7 ± 2.5 kg CO2-eq/Kg CW (P < 0.01). These differences are due to less purchase of concentrated feed and greater use of natural resources such as pastures and permanent grasslands. The research indicated that the production of beef in the Alpine region of South Tyrol predominantly occurs within extensive parameters, leading to a satisfactory environmental profile, also including the C sequestration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Sabia
- School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Thomas Zanon
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano 39100, Italy.
| | - Ada Braghieri
- School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Corrado Pacelli
- School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Verena Angerer
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano 39100, Italy
| | - Matthias Gauly
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano 39100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Laca A, Laca A, Díaz M. Environmental advantages of coproducing beef meat in dairy systems. Environ Technol 2023; 44:446-465. [PMID: 34463200 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2021.1974577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Beef meat, one of the more environmentally costly animal-based foods, can be produced in two general ways, as the main product on specialised farms or as a co-product on dairy farms. In this study, two cases (a semi-confinement dairy farm (A) and a pasture-based dairy farm (B)) have been analysed by means of LCA to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the coproduction of beef meat. In both cases, purchased feed production was found to be the main cause of environmental impacts in most of the categories considered. Additionally, cow emissions to air were the main contributor for the global warming category. Comparing the two dairy systems, notably lower environmental impacts were obtained for B in 13 of the 18 categories analysed. Regarding CF, 8.10 and 8.88 kg CO2eq/kg LW were obtained for A and B, respectively. These CF values were within the wide range found in the literature for beef meat (1.2-42.6 kg CO2eq/kg LW). Beef calves and cull cows are an important output of dairy farming, so that coproduction enables milk and meat with lower CF and associated environmental impacts to be obtained. In addition, the variability of the data found in literature and the lack of LCA studies based on real data for beef meat coproduced on dairy farms evidence the importance of in-depth study of this interesting topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Laca
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Adriana Laca
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mario Díaz
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Franco S, Barbanera M, Moscetti R, Cicatiello C, Secondi L, Massantini R. Overnutrition is a significant component of food waste and has a large environmental impact. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8166. [PMID: 35581277 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11813-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Food waste and obesity and overweight conditions are both linked to the unsustainability of current food systems. This article argues that overnutrition should be considered a form of food waste and it provides a first estimation of the quantity of food over-consumed in Italy. This is done by calculating the excess calories consumed by obese and overweight people and converting them into food quantities by comparison with a typical Italian diet. The total quantity of food consumed in excess by Italian citizens due to overnutrition is calculated as 1.553 million tonnes per year, which is comparable to the current national household food waste assessments. The environmental impact arising from production and consumption of this food accounts for 6.15 Mt of CO2-eq per year, as estimated by a Life Cycle Analysis conducted on the 46 food categories which compose the typical Italian diet. Overnutrition in the South-Islands regions of Italy exerts the largest impact (31.6%), followed by the North-West (26.6%), the Centre (22.2%), and the North-East (19.1%).
Collapse
|
4
|
Meza-Herrera C, Navarrete-Molina C, Luna-García L, Pérez-Marín C, Altamirano-Cárdenas J, Macías-Cruz U, de la Peña CG, Abad-Zavaleta J. Small ruminants and sustainability in Latin America & the Caribbean: Regionalization, main production systems, and a combined productive, socio-economic & ecological footprint quantification. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
5
|
Ornelas-Villarreal E, Navarrete-Molina C, Meza-Herrera C, Herrera-Machuca M, Altamirano-Cardenas J, Macias-Cruz U, la Peña CGD, Veliz-Deras F. Sheep production and sustainability in Latin America & the Caribbean: A combined productive, socio-economic & ecological footprint approach. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
6
|
Pulina G, Acciaro M, Atzori AS, Battacone G, Crovetto GM, Mele M, Pirlo G, Rassu SPG. Animal board invited review - Beef for future: technologies for a sustainable and profitable beef industry. Animal 2021; 15:100358. [PMID: 34634751 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The global consumption, notably in developing countries, and production of beef are increasing continuously, and this requires the industry to improve performance and to reduce the environmental impact of the production chain. Since the improvement in efficiency and the highest impacts occur at farm level, it is appropriate to focus on the profitability and environmental sustainability of these enterprises. In many areas of the world, beef production is economically and socially relevant because it accounts for a significant portion of the agricultural production and represents a vital economic activity in mountain and hill districts of many regions, where few alternatives for other agricultural production exist. Due to the important role in the agricultural and food economy worldwide, the future of the beef industry is linked to the reduction of ecological impacts, mainly adopting the agroecological mitigation practices, and the simultaneous improvement of production performances and of product quality. This review analyses the technical and managerial solutions currently available to increase the efficiency of the beef industry and, at the same time, to reduce its environmental impacts in response to the growing concerns and awareness of citizens and consumers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Pulina
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - A S Atzori
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - G Battacone
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - G M Crovetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - M Mele
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agroambientali, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Pirlo
- Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Council for Agriculture Research and Economics, Lodi, Italy
| | - S P G Rassu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Angerer V, Sabia E, König von Borstel U, Gauly M. Environmental and biodiversity effects of different beef production systems. J Environ Manage 2021; 289:112523. [PMID: 33839605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural livestock production ranks among the most environmental impactful industry sectors at the global level, and within the livestock sector, beef production accounts for a large proportion of environmental damage. Beef production in Alpine mountain regions, such as in South Tyrol (Italy), is a small, but increasing agricultural sector. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the environmental impact of different organic and conventional beef production systems in South Tyrol and to compare their environmental impact and effect on biodiversity under Alpine production conditions. Live cycle assessment (LCA) approach was used and 1 kg of live weight (LW) was chosen as functional unit (FU). Global warming potential (GWP, kg CO2-eq), acidification potential (AP, g SO2-eq), eutrophication potential (EP, g PO4-eq), non-renewable energy use (NRE, MJ-eq), land occupation (LO, m2 organic land/year) and biodiversity damage potential (BDP) expressed in potential disappeared fraction (PDF) were investigated. The study involved 18 beef cattle farms in the South Tyrolean region: Conventional calf-fattening farms (CCF = 6), organic suckler cow farms (SCF = 6), and conventional heifer/ox fattening farms (HOF = 6). The CCF system showed a higher environmental impact compared to SCF and HOF systems for all impact categories (P < 0.05). Between the organic and the conventional system (SCF and HOF), no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found for most of the considered impact categories (means ± SEM per FU): GWP: 19.8 vs 17.1 ± 4.2 kg CO2-eq, AP: 11.4 vs 9.3 ± 4.7 g SO2-eq, EP: 4.1 vs 2.8 ± 1.2, NRE: 21.9 vs 13.8 ± 7 MJ-eq, SCF and HOF respectively. Only for LO (70.8 vs 44.1 ± 17.7 m2 organic/y, P < 0.01, SCF and HOF respectively) and the effect on BDP (-1.93 vs -0.85 ± 0.35, PDF, P < 0.01, SCF and HOF respectively) differences between organic and conventional production methods could be revealed. The study showed that beef cattle husbandry in the Alpine area has a satisfactory environmental performance. In particular, the systems studied showed a positive impact in terms of biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Angerer
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Science and Technology, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano, 39100, Italy
| | - Emilio Sabia
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Science and Technology, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano, 39100, Italy.
| | - Uta König von Borstel
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Leihgesterner Weg 52, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gauly
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Science and Technology, Piazza Università 5, Bolzano, 39100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
D’aurea AP, da Silva Cardoso A, Guimarães YSR, Fernandes LB, Ferreira LE, Reis RA. Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Beef Cattle Production in Brazil through Animal Management. Sustainability 2021; 13:7207. [DOI: 10.3390/su13137207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Beef cattle production is an important agricultural activity in Brazil, which influences environmental and resource consumption. This study analyzed greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts from 17 farms, representing the Brazil’s productive system and determined possible improvements in the production chain. Methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions were evaluated using the updated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines for national inventories. The GHG inventory included emissions from animals, feeds, and “cradle-to-farm-gate” operations for animal management. Regression analyses of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions and productive indices were performed to identify possible GHG emission hotspots. The results varied considerably among the farms. The GHG yield ranged from 8.63 to 50.88 CO2eq kg carcass−1. The productive indices of average daily gain (p < 0.0001), area productivity (p = 0.058), and slaughtering age (p < 0.0001) were positively correlated with GHG yield. However, no correlation was found with the stocking rate (p = 0.21). The production chain could be improved through accurate animal management strategies that reduce the slaughtering age and daily weight gain individually or per area using pasture management and strategic animal supplementation, which could subsequently reduce GHG emissions in beef cattle production.
Collapse
|
9
|
Muñoz Vallés S, Mancilla-leytón JM, Morales-jerrett E, Mena Y. Natural Carbon Sinks Linked to Pastoral Activity in S Spain: A Territorial Evaluation Methodology for Mediterranean Goat Grazing Systems. Sustainability 2021; 13:6085. [DOI: 10.3390/su13116085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exploring and developing new tools for the accounting and management of natural C sinks will provide a closer, more accurate option to remark the importance of such sinks in relation to livestock production, helping to support the persistence of some seriously endangered traditional, environmentally sustainable livestock farming. Following both precision and usability criteria, two main C sink databases covering the Andalusian region (S Spain) were developed from the Spanish Land Parcel Identification System (SIGPAC, coarse resolution) and the Spanish Information System on Land Cover (SIOSE, finer resolution) land use classes. Particular C sink factors based on growth rates for individual plant species were associated with detailed vegetation maps and, further, were linked to Land Use and Covers cartography across the region. In addition, eight ruminant farms were exhaustively studied in situ and used as a control. Results were compared with the obtained through the application of the developed C sink databases, and with the commonly used Petersen methodology. The sink capacity of vegetation associated with farms varied from 0.25 to 1.37 t CO2 ha−1 year−1, depending on the plant species composition and abundance. All the approaches showed significant differences from the control. C sink values were significantly higher when applying SIGPAC-based C sink database to farms, while values from the SIOSE and Petersen methodology approaches provided more moderate values, closer to the control. SIGPAC and Petersen approaches showed higher usability but presented lower precision due to a poor definition of plant cover. SIOSE-based C sink database provided suitable values able to be adapted to reality and used by farmers. In this regard, further research efforts to improve the adjustment of results and ease of use are required. The present approach means a methodological advance in the estimation of the C sink capacity associated with pastoral livestock farms, able to be incorporated into the CF calculation in contrasted areas worldwide, in the frame of the ‘eco-schemes’ being recently under development through the EU CAP.
Collapse
|
10
|
Plaza J, Revilla I, Nieto J, Hidalgo C, Sánchez-García M, Palacios C. Milk Quality and Carbon Footprint Indicators of Dairy Sheep Farms Depend on Grazing Level and Identify the Different Management Systems. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051426. [PMID: 34065724 PMCID: PMC8156543 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are very few studies in the dairy sheep sector associating milk quality and indicators regarding carbon footprint and their link to grazing levels. For 1 year, monthly milk samples and records related to environmental emissions and management systems were collected through surveys from 17 dairy sheep farms in the region of Castilla y León (Spain), in order to relate this information to the use of natural pastures under free grazing. Indicators were constructed on the collected data and subjected to a multivariate statistical procedure that involved a factor analysis, a cluster analysis and a population canonical analysis. By applying multivariate statistical techniques on milk quality and carbon footprint indicators, it was possible to identify the management system of the farms. From an environmental point of view, farms with a higher grazing level (cluster 4) were more sustainable, as they had the lowest carbon footprint (lower CO2, N2O and CO2 equivalent emissions per sheep and year) and the lowest energy consumption levels, which were gradually lower than those of farms in cluster 3; both indicators were much lower than those of farms in clusters 1 and 2. The milk quality of cluster 1 and 2 farms was significantly lower in terms of total protein and fat content, dry extract, omega-3 fatty acid levels and α-tocopherol content than farms in clusters 3 and 4, which had higher accessibility to grazing resources. In sum, the higher the use of natural resources, the lower the external inputs the farms required and the lower environmental impact and energy costs they have.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Plaza
- Area of Animal Production, Faculty of Environmental and Agrarian Sciences, University of Salamanca, Avenida Filiberto Villalobos 119-129, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.P.); (J.N.); (M.S.-G.)
| | - Isabel Revilla
- Area of Food Technology, University of Salamanca, E.P.S. of Zamora, Avenida Requejo 33, 49022 Zamora, Spain;
| | - Jaime Nieto
- Area of Animal Production, Faculty of Environmental and Agrarian Sciences, University of Salamanca, Avenida Filiberto Villalobos 119-129, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.P.); (J.N.); (M.S.-G.)
| | - Cristina Hidalgo
- Faculty of Economic and Business Science, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Mario Sánchez-García
- Area of Animal Production, Faculty of Environmental and Agrarian Sciences, University of Salamanca, Avenida Filiberto Villalobos 119-129, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.P.); (J.N.); (M.S.-G.)
| | - Carlos Palacios
- Area of Animal Production, Faculty of Environmental and Agrarian Sciences, University of Salamanca, Avenida Filiberto Villalobos 119-129, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.P.); (J.N.); (M.S.-G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-659-90-94-88
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Barron LJR, Andonegi A, Gamboa G, Garmendia E, García O, Aldai N, Aldezabal A. Sustainability Assessment of Pasture-Based Dairy Sheep Systems: A Multidisciplinary and Multiscale Approach. Sustainability 2021; 13:3994. [DOI: 10.3390/su13073994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a novel methodological approach for the integrated sustainability assessment of pasture-based dairy sheep systems. Most studies on livestock system sustainability focus on animal production, farm profitability, and mitigation strategies of greenhouse gas emissions. However, recent research indicates that pasture-based livestock farming also contributes positively to rural areas, and the associated increase in plant diversity promotes ecosystem functioning and services in natural and managed grasslands. Likewise, little attention has focused on how pasture-based livestock systems affect soil carbon changes, biodiversity, and ecotoxicity. Furthermore, the quality and safety of food products, particularly sheep milk and cheese, and socioeconomic issues such as cultural heritage and consumer behavior are often neglected in livestock system sustainability assessments. To improve the analysis of sustainability and adaptation strategies of livestock systems, we suggest a holistic approach that integrates indicators from diverse disciplines with complementary methods and models capable of capturing the complexity of these systems at multiple scales. A multidisciplinary perspective generates new indicators to identify critical trade-offs and synergies related to the resilience of dairy sheep livestock systems. A multiscale approach provides insights on the effects of socioeconomic and environmental changes associated with current dairy sheep grazing systems across multiple scales. The combined approach will facilitate the development and progressive implementation of novel management strategies needed to adapt pasture-based dairy sheep farms to changing conditions under future socioeconomic and environmental scenarios.
Collapse
|
12
|
Horrillo A, Gaspar P, Díaz-Caro C, Escribano M. A scenario-based analysis of the effect of carbon pricing on organic livestock farm performance: A case study of Spanish dehesas and rangelands. Sci Total Environ 2021; 751:141675. [PMID: 33181996 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The current livestock farm production model is being questioned due to its excessive use of resources and impacts on the environment, and it has played a major role in climate change due to the excessive level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A valid tool in the reduction of such emissions is the imposition of a tax on CO2 emissions that can act as an economic and financial instrument. Additionally, livestock production based on grazing animals is proposed as a more sustainable model that involves improved environmental practices and provides society with various ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration. The main purpose of this paper is to estimate the maximum price per tonne of CO2 equivalent (eq) that could be borne by the various models of organic livestock farms in the dehesas and rangelands of southwestern Spain. With this purpose in mind, we have made a scenario-based estimation of the environmental-economic balance in three different scenarios considering farm emissions and CO2 sequestration levels. The results show that the maximum price that farms can bear is within a range of € 0.20 to € 792/tn of CO2 eq depending on the scenario analysed and the production model. In the cases in which carbon sequestration balances GHG emissions, the implementation of carbon pricing implies additional economic income for farm accounts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Horrillo
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, School of Agricultural Engineering, University of Extremadura, Avda. Adolfo Suarez, s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - P Gaspar
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, School of Agricultural Engineering, University of Extremadura, Avda. Adolfo Suarez, s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - C Díaz-Caro
- Department of Accounting and Finance, School of Business, Finance and Tourism, University of Extremadura, Avda. de la Universidad s/n. 10071 Cáceres, Spain.
| | - M Escribano
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Campus Universitario, 10003 Caceres, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gebska M, Grontkowska A, Swiderek W, Golebiewska B. Farmer Awareness and Implementation of Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Different Types of Farms in Poland. Sustainability 2020; 12:8022. [DOI: 10.3390/su12198022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sustainability has been an emerging issue for years in the economy and agriculture. Making agriculture sustainable has become so essential that it has become part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). However, producers ultimately decide individually the practices they implement. This is why farmers play a central role in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system, which results from farmers’ knowledge and expectations. Although numerous studies address sustainability issues, little is known about farmers’ knowledge and implementation of sustainable practices at different types of farms, especially in central and eastern Europe. This study aimed to determine Polish farmers’ awareness of sustainability with regards to animal and crop production. This paper also shows how farmers value the advantages arising from sustainable production. The study was carried out among 300 farms classified by type (dairy, beef cattle, pork, and crop production). The research instrument used was a questionnaire, with the Likert scale. The results show that dairy farmers and pork farmers declared higher knowledge and better implement sustainable practices than other farmers. The producers’ views on the benefits coming from sustainable agriculture varied. However, the two most significant advantages were recognized—the protection of water against pollution and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Collapse
|
14
|
Meng H, Wang W. Definition method for carbon footprint of iron and steel energy supply chain based on relational dispersed degree. IFS 2020. [DOI: 10.3233/jifs-179814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Meng
- Finance and Economics College, Chongqing Chemical Industry Vocational College, Chongqing, China
| | - Weixin Wang
- Research Centre for International Business and Economics, International Business School, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ghosh A, Misra S, Bhattacharyya R, Sarkar A, Singh AK, Tyagi VC, Kumar RV, Meena VS. Agriculture, dairy and fishery farming practices and greenhouse gas emission footprint: a strategic appraisal for mitigation. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:10160-10184. [PMID: 32060824 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07949-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rising global population would force farmers to amplify food production substantially in upcoming 3-4 decades. The easiest way to increase grain production is through expanding cropping area by clearing uncultivated land. This is attained by permitting deadly loss of carbon (C) stocks, jeopardizing ecosystem biodiversity and deteriorating environmental quality. We aim to propose key agronomical tactics, livestock management strategy and advance approaches for aquaculture to increase productivity and simultaneously reduce the environmental impacts of farming sector. For this, we considered three major sectors of farming, i.e. agriculture, fishery and dairy. We collected literatures stating approaches or technologies that could reduce GHG emission from these sectors. Thereafter, we synthesized strategies or options that are more feasible and accessible for inclusion in farm sector to reduce GHG emission. Having comprehensively reviewed several publications, we propose potential strategies to reduce GHG emission. Agronomic practices like crop diversification, reducing summer fallow, soil organic carbon sequestration, tillage and crop residue management and inclusion of N2-fixing pulses in crop rotations are some of those. Livestock management through changing animals' diets, optimal use of the gas produced from manures, frequent and complete manure removal from animal housing and aquaculture management strategies to improve fish health and improve feed conversion efficiency could reduce their GHG emission footprint too. Adapting of effective and economic practices GHG emission footprint reduction potential of farming sector could make farming sector a C neutral enterprise. To overcome the ecological, technological and institutional barriers, policy on trade, tax, grazing practice and GHG pricing should be implemented properly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Ghosh
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India.
- ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284 003, India.
| | - Sukanya Misra
- Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, West Bengal, 736 165, India
| | | | - Abhijit Sarkar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462038, India
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284 003, India
| | - Vikas Chandra Tyagi
- ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284 003, India
| | - Ram Vinod Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284 003, India
| | - Vijay Singh Meena
- ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, Uttarakhand, 263601, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Payen S, Falconer S, Carlson B, Yang W, Ledgard S. Eutrophication and climate change impacts of a case study of New Zealand beef to the European market. Sci Total Environ 2020; 710:136120. [PMID: 31927281 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Beef production in the Lake Taupō region of New Zealand (NZ) is regulated for nitrogen (N) leaching. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the implications of nitrogen emission limitations on eutrophication and climate change impacts of NZ beef through its life cycle to a European market and uniquely link it to 2) estimation of the reduction in these impacts that can be funded by the consumer's willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for a low environmental-impact product. METHOD The cradle-to-market Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of NZ beef on the European market included beef production on farms, meat processing, packaging and transport stages. Various beef production systems in the Lake Taupō region were modelled: farm systems with and without regulated N leaching limits in place (using N fertiliser inputs of 0 and 100 kg N/ha/year respectively) using suckler beef or beef derived from surplus calves from a dairy farm. The FARMAX model was used to model farm productivity and profitability under these various scenarios, whereas the OVERSEER® model was used to model field/farm emissions (N, phosphorus (P)) and the NZ greenhouse gas (GHG) Inventory model was used to estimate total GHG emissions. Eutrophication and climate change impacts of NZ beef to the European market were calculated using recent regionalised LCA indicators. We estimated freshwater and marine eutrophication impacts of European beef using published N emissions to water and air. We estimated the European consumer's WTP for beef with positive environmental attributes based on a meta-regression analysis based on 21 published studies and compared farmer's profit for the farm system scenarios. RESULTS When using common P-driven eutrophication indicators, the farms using 100 kg fertiliser-N/ha/year appeared to have a lower freshwater eutrophication impact than farms using no N fertiliser, which is in contradiction with the local freshwater policy for N regulations. When the contribution of both N and P were accounted for, the farms using no N fertiliser had the lowest estimated impact. Comparison with published environmental footprint of beef from Europe showed lower climate change and eutrophication impacts for NZ beef, thus showing potential positive environmental attributes for NZ beef. The European consumer's WTP (32% price premium) for such a beef product with low environmental impacts could offset the cost to farmers for implementing the reduction of N emissions. CONCLUSIONS Bridging the gap between local freshwater policy and LCA indicators starts by considering both P and N emissions and impacts. Combining an environmental LCA with an economic analysis revealed that the consumer willingness to pay could compensate for the environmental cost of protecting the lake that currently only the farmers are bearing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Payen
- AgResearch Limited, Hamilton, New Zealand; Cirad, UPR Systèmes de pérennes, ELSA - Research Group for Environmental Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, Boulevard de la Lironde, 34398 Montpellier, France.
| | | | | | - Wei Yang
- AgResearch Limited, Hamilton, New Zealand; Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Grossi G, Vitali A, Lacetera N, Danieli PP, Bernabucci U, Nardone A. Carbon Footprint of Mediterranean Pasture-Based Native Beef: Effects of Agronomic Practices and Pasture Management under Different Climate Change Scenarios. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030415. [PMID: 32131471 PMCID: PMC7143649 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The livestock sector requires a significant amount of natural resources and has an important role in climate change. Although the carbon footprint has become a widely accepted indicator for assessing the greenhouse gases emitted per unit of product, due to the lack of a commonly accepted methodology, there are still few studies that have included soil organic carbon sequestration in their calculations. In this study, by including soil organic carbon dynamics, the carbon footprint of a Mediterranean pasture-based beef cattle farm was estimated using current weather data and farming management policies. Subsequently, different soil management strategies, grazing systems, and climate scenarios were compared to the current ones to investigate the effects of these variables on the greenhouse gases emitted. The results showed that the current beef carbon footprint could be significantly reduced by switching to reduced tillage systems. The modeled combination of no-tillage practices with higher organic fertilizer application rates showed a greater potential carbon footprint reduction. No significant differences were found between carbon footprint values modeled under different climate scenarios and grazing systems. By including a process-based model into its carbon footprint calculations, this study highlights the climate mitigation potential of different farming practices and the importance of considering soil carbon sequestration. Abstract A better understanding of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics is needed when assessing the carbon footprint (CFP) of livestock products and the effectiveness of possible agriculture mitigation strategies. This study aimed (i) to perform a cradle-to-gate CFP of pasture-based beef cattle in a Mediterranean agropastoral system (ii) and to assess the effects on the CFP of alternative tillage, fertilizing, and grazing practices under current (NCC) and future climate change (CC) scenarios. Minimum (Mt) and no-tillage (Nt) practices were compared to current tillage (Ct); a 50% increase (Hf) and decrease (Lf) in fertilization was evaluated against the current (Cf) rate; and rotational grazing (Rg) was evaluated versus the current continuous grazing (Cg) system. The denitrification–decomposition (DNDC) model was run using NCC as well as representative concentration pathways to investigate the effects of farm management practices coupled with future CC scenarios on SOC dynamics, N2O fluxes, and crop yield. Within NCC and CtCf, an emission intensity of 26.9 ± 0.7 kg CO2eq per kg live body weight was estimated. Compared to Ct, the adoption of Mt and Nt reduced the CFP by 20% and 35%, respectively, while NtHf reduced it by 40%. Conservation tillage practices were thus shown to be effective in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Collapse
|
18
|
Horrillo A, Gaspar P, Escribano M. Organic Farming as a Strategy to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Dehesa Agroecosystems: A Case Study Comparing Different Livestock Products. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E162. [PMID: 31963570 PMCID: PMC7022606 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) for the calculation of the balance (emissions minus sequestration) of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the organic livestock production systems of dehesas in the southwest region of Spain. European organic production standards regulate these systems. As well as calculating the system's emissions, this method also takes into account the soil carbon sequestration values. In this sense, the study of carbon sequestration in organic systems is of great interest from a legislation viewpoint. The results reveal that the farms producing meat cattle with calves sold at weaning age provide the highest levels of carbon footprint (16.27 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq)/kg of live weight), whereas the farms with the lowest levels of carbon emissions are montanera pig and semi-extensive dairy goat farms, i.e., 4.16 and 2.94 kg CO2eq/kg of live weight and 1.19 CO2eq/kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM), respectively. Enteric fermentation represents 42.8% and 79.9% of the total emissions of ruminants' farms. However, in pig farms, the highest percentage of the emissions derives from manure management (36.5%-42.9%) and animal feed (31%-37.7%). The soil sequestration level has been seen to range between 419.7 and 576.4 kg CO2eq/ha/year, which represents a considerable compensation of carbon emissions. It should be noted that these systems cannot be compared with other more intensive systems in terms of product units and therefore, the carbon footprint values of dehesa organic systems must always be associated to the territory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Horrillo
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, School of Agricultural Engineering, University of Extremadura, Avda. Adolfo Suarez, s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain;
| | - Paula Gaspar
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, School of Agricultural Engineering, University of Extremadura, Avda. Adolfo Suarez, s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain;
| | - Miguel Escribano
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Campus Universitario, 10003 Caceres, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
García-Herrero L, De Menna F, Vittuari M. Food waste at school. The environmental and cost impact of a canteen meal. Waste Manag 2019; 100:249-258. [PMID: 31563025 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The challenge of increasing food demand due to population growth urges all stakeholders to act against food losses and waste, especially in light of their environmental, cost, and social impacts. In developed countries, awareness raising, and prevention are particularly important at the consumption level, where food waste mainly occurs. In this sense, public school canteens represent a unique setting, because of their capacity of conveying food habits, while sustainably managing available resources. This research assessed the environmental and cost impact of food consumption and wastage in public school canteens through a case study in Italy. It combined life cycle assessment, environmental life cycle costing, and quarter-waste visual methods. The functional unit was defined as the average meal provided by the catering service to 3-10 years old students. Primary data on type and amounts of purchased food, transport, and utilities consumption were provided by the catering service, while food waste assessment was performed in selected representative school canteens. Secondary data on background processes were mainly sourced from databases and literature. Food waste at schools represented 20-29% of the prepared meal, depending on students' age and seasonal menu. The global warming potential (GWP) of the average meal was 1.11-1.50 kg CO2-eq, mostly due to the food production impact. The meal preparation had the largest impact on costs. When considering embedded impacts, food waste was responsible for 14-18% of GWP and 6-11% of the costs. The sensitivity analysis showed promising environmental and cost reductions by introducing changes in the meal composition and preparation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio De Menna
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Vittuari
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Agriculture is a significant source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and beef cattle are particularly emissions intensive. GHG emissions are typically expressed as a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) 'carbon footprint' per unit output. The 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP100) is the most commonly used CO2e metric, but others have also been proposed, and there is no universal reason to prefer GWP100 over alternative metrics. The weightings assigned to non-CO2 GHGs can differ significantly depending on the metric used, and relying upon a single metric can obscure important differences in the climate impacts of different GHGs. This loss of detail is especially relevant to beef production systems, as the majority of GHG emissions (as conventionally reported) are in the form of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), rather than CO2. This paper presents a systematic literature review of harmonised cradle to farm-gate beef carbon footprints from bottom-up studies on individual or representative systems, collecting the emissions data for each separate GHG, rather than a single CO2e value. Disaggregated GHG emissions could not be obtained for the majority of studies, highlighting the loss of information resulting from the standard reporting of total GWP100 CO2e alone. Where individual GHG compositions were available, significant variation was found for all gases. A comparison of grass fed and non-grass fed beef production systems was used to illustrate dynamics that are not sufficiently captured through a single CO2e footprint. Few clear trends emerged between the two dietary groups, but there was a non-significant indication that under GWP100 non-grass fed systems generally appear more emissions efficient, but under an alternative metric, the 100-year global temperature potential (GTP100), grass-fed beef had lower footprints. Despite recent focus on agricultural emissions, this review concludes there are insufficient data available to fully address important questions regarding the climate impacts of agricultural production, and calls for researchers to include separate GHG emissions in addition to aggregated CO2e footprints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Lynch
- AOPP, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Baudry J, Pointereau P, Seconda L, Vidal R, Taupier-Letage B, Langevin B, Allès B, Galan P, Hercberg S, Amiot MJ, Boizot-Szantai C, Hamza O, Cravedi JP, Debrauwer L, Soler LG, Lairon D, Kesse-Guyot E. Improvement of diet sustainability with increased level of organic food in the diet: findings from the BioNutriNet cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2019; 109:1173-1188. [PMID: 30982857 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organic food consumption has steadily increased over the past decade in westernized countries. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study, based on observational data, was to compare some sustainability features of diets from consumers with varying levels of organic food. METHODS The diet sustainability among 29,210 participants of the NutriNet-Santé study was estimated using databases developed within the BioNutriNet project. Four dimensions (nutrition, environment, economy, and toxicology) of diet sustainability were assessed using: 1) nutritional indicators through dietary intakes and dietary scores, and BMI; 2) environmental indicators (greenhouse gas emissions, cumulative energy demand, and land occupation); 3) economic indicators via diet monetary costs; and 4) estimated daily food exposures to 15 pesticides. Adjusted means (95% CI) across weighted quintiles of organic food consumption in the diet were estimated via ANCOVA. Breakdown methods were used to disentangle the contribution of the production system (organic compared with conventional) from the dietary pattern in the variation of diet-related environmental impacts, monetary costs, and pesticide exposure, between the 2 extreme quintiles. RESULTS Higher organic food consumption was associated with higher plant-food and lower animal-food consumption, overall nutritional quality (higher dietary scores), and lower BMI. Diet-related greenhouse-gas emissions, cumulative energy demand, and land occupation gradually decreased with increasing organic food consumption, whereas total diet monetary cost increased. Diet exposure to most pesticides decreased across quintiles. CONCLUSIONS Diets of high organic food consumers were generally characterized by strong nutritional and environmental benefits. The latter were mostly driven by the low consumption of animal-based foods, whereas the production system was responsible for the higher diet monetary costs, and the overall reduced dietary pesticide exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Baudry
- Université Paris 13, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, Centre d'Epidémiologie et Statistiques Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM (U1153), INRA (U1125), CNAM, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France
| | | | - Louise Seconda
- Université Paris 13, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, Centre d'Epidémiologie et Statistiques Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM (U1153), INRA (U1125), CNAM, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France.,Agence de l'Environnement et de la maîtrise de l'Energie, Angers, France
| | - Rodolphe Vidal
- Institut Technique de l'Agriculture Biologique, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Benjamin Allès
- Université Paris 13, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, Centre d'Epidémiologie et Statistiques Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM (U1153), INRA (U1125), CNAM, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France
| | - Pilar Galan
- Université Paris 13, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, Centre d'Epidémiologie et Statistiques Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM (U1153), INRA (U1125), CNAM, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France
| | - Serge Hercberg
- Université Paris 13, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, Centre d'Epidémiologie et Statistiques Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM (U1153), INRA (U1125), CNAM, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France.,Département de Santé Publique, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Pierre Cravedi
- Toxalim, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurent Debrauwer
- Toxalim, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Denis Lairon
- Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, INRA, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot
- Université Paris 13, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, Centre d'Epidémiologie et Statistiques Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM (U1153), INRA (U1125), CNAM, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gutiérrez-Peña R, Mena Y, Batalla I, Mancilla-Leytón JM. Carbon footprint of dairy goat production systems: A comparison of three contrasting grazing levels in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (Southern Spain). J Environ Manage 2019; 232:993-998. [PMID: 33395768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to analyze the carbon footprint (CF) of grazing dairy goat systems in a natural park according to their grazing level. A total of 16 representative grazing goat farms in southern Spain were selected and grouped into three farming systems: low productivity grazing farms (LPG), more intensified grazing farms (MIG) and high productivity grazing farms (HPG). Their CF was analyzed, including greenhouse gas emissions and soil C sequestration according to the farms' grazing level and milk productivity, taking into account different functional units (one kilogram of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) and one hectare) and milk correction. Results showed that all variables differed according to the milk correction applied as the values for cow's milk correction were 41% lower than for sheep's milk correction. Total emissions and contributions of soil carbon sequestration differed according to farming system group; LPG farms had higher total emissions than MIG and HPG farms, however total carbon sequestration was lower in the MIG farms than in the LPG and HPG farms. The CF values ranged from 2.36 to 1.76 kg CO2e kg-1 FPCM for sheep's milk correction and from 1.40 to 1.04 kg CO2e kg-1 FPCM for cow's milk correction. No differences were found between farming system groups in either of the two cases but when calculations took hectare of land as a functional unit, the contribution of MIG farms to the CF was 85% higher than LPG and HPG farms. Therefore it is important to take into account the functional unit used to calculate the CF by analyzing this indicator in a broader context, and including carbon sequestration by grazing livestock in the calculation. In order to reduce the CF of this type of system, it is advisable to make appropriate use of the natural resources and to reach an optimum level of milk productivity, high enough for pastoral livestock farming to be viable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gutiérrez-Peña
- Institut de Recerca i Formació Agrària i Pesquera (IRFAP), Conselleria d'Agricultura, Medi Ambient i Territori, Govern de les Illes Balears, 07009, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Yolanda Mena
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, 41013, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vitali A, Grossi G, Martino G, Bernabucci U, Nardone A, Lacetera N. Carbon footprint of organic beef meat from farm to fork: a case study of short supply chain. J Sci Food Agric 2018; 98:5518-5524. [PMID: 29691877 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustainability of food systems is one of the big challenges facing humanity. Local food networks, especially those using organic methods, are proliferating worldwide, and little is known about their carbon footprints. This study aims to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with a local organic beef supply chain using a cradle-to-grave approach. RESULTS The study determined an overall burden of 24.46 kg CO2 eq. kg-1 of cooked meat. The breeding and fattening phase was the principal source of CO2 in the production chain, accounting for 86% of the total emissions. Enteric methane emission was the greatest source of GHG arising directly from farming activities (47%). The consumption of meat at home was the second high point in GHG production in the chain (9%), with the cooking process being the main source within this stage (72%). Retail and slaughtering activities respectively accounted for 4.1% and 1.1% of GHG emissions for the whole supply chain. CONCLUSION The identification of the major sources of GHG emissions associated with organic beef produced and consumed in a local food network may stimulate debate on environmental issues among those in the network and direct them toward processes, choices and habits that reduce carbon pollution. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vitali
- Facoltà di Bioscienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari ed Ambientali, Università di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giampiero Grossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Martino
- Facoltà di Bioscienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari ed Ambientali, Università di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Umberto Bernabucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Nardone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Nicola Lacetera
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Recanati F, Marveggio D, Dotelli G. From beans to bar: A life cycle assessment towards sustainable chocolate supply chain. Sci Total Environ 2018; 613-614:1013-1023. [PMID: 28946374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The environmental sustainability has emerged as a crucial aspect in the agri-food sector, nevertheless environmental assessments and certifications of cocoa and chocolate are still missing. Given this gap and the increasing global demand for cocoa derivatives, this study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of an Italian dark chocolate through a holistic cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The impact categories assessed are acidification potential (AC), eutrophication potential (EU), global warming potential (GW), photochemical ozone creation potential (POC), ozone layer depletion potential (OD), abiotic depletion (AD) and cumulative energy demand (CED). The obtained results highlight the relevant contributions of upstream phase (63% for the ODP, 92% for EU and 99% for the AD) and core processes (39% for the GW and 49% for the CED) on the overall impacts. Specifically, cocoa provisioning and energy supply at the manufacturing plant emerged as environmental hotspots and have been deeper investigated through a sensitivity analysis. Obtained outcomes show the significant variability of the environmental impacts due to the agricultural phase (i.e., depending on agroecosystems and practices) and environmental benefits guaranteed by an efficient trigeneration system implemented in the manufacturing plant. The quantification of the environmental impacts of chocolate through LCA, the identification of the main hotspots along the supply chain and the sensitivity analysis performed in this study could effectively support chocolate companies in their pathway towards environmentally sustainable productions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Recanati
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, via Ponzio 34/5, Milano 20133, Italy.
| | - Davide Marveggio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Giovanni Dotelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milano 20133, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
McAuliffe G, Takahashi T, Orr R, Harris P, Lee M. Distributions of emissions intensity for individual beef cattle reared on pasture-based production systems. J Clean Prod 2018; 171:1672-1680. [PMID: 29333000 PMCID: PMC5738973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of livestock production systems is often based on inventory data for farms typical of a study region. As information on individual animals is often unavailable, livestock data may already be aggregated at the time of inventory analysis, both across individual animals and across seasons. Even though various computational tools exist to consider the effect of genetic and seasonal variabilities in livestock-originated emissions intensity, the degree to which these methods can address the bias suffered by representative animal approaches is not well-understood. Using detailed on-farm data collected on the North Wyke Farm Platform (NWFP) in Devon, UK, this paper proposes a novel approach of life cycle impact assessment that complements the existing LCA methodology. Field data, such as forage quality and animal performance, were measured at high spatial and temporal resolutions and directly transferred into LCA processes. This approach has enabled derivation of emissions intensity for each individual animal and, by extension, its intra-farm distribution, providing a step towards reducing uncertainty related to agricultural production inherent in LCA studies for food. Depending on pasture management strategies, the total emissions intensity estimated by the proposed method was higher than the equivalent value recalculated using a representative animal approach by 0.9-1.7 kg CO2-eq/kg liveweight gain, or up to 10% of system-wide emissions. This finding suggests that emissions intensity values derived by the latter technique may be underestimated due to insufficient consideration given to poorly performing animals, whose emissions becomes exponentially greater as average daily gain decreases. Strategies to mitigate life-cycle environmental impacts of pasture-based beef productions systems are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G.A. McAuliffe
- Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2SB, UK
- University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - T. Takahashi
- Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2SB, UK
- University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK
- Corresponding author. Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2SB, UK.Rothamsted ResearchNorth WykeOkehamptonDevonEX20 2SBUK
| | - R.J. Orr
- Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2SB, UK
| | - P. Harris
- Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2SB, UK
| | - M.R.F. Lee
- Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2SB, UK
- University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Schmidt Rivera XC, Bacenetti J, Fusi A, Niero M. The influence of fertiliser and pesticide emissions model on life cycle assessment of agricultural products: The case of Danish and Italian barley. Sci Total Environ 2017; 592:745-757. [PMID: 28325596 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Barley is an ancient crop and a great source of nutrients. It is the third largest agricultural commodity produced in Denmark and represents a relevant crop in Italy too. Due to the increasing customers awareness of sustainability issues, it has become essential to evaluate the environmental impact and the use of resources in food production and distribution systems. However, especially in agriculture, difficulties are encountered when emissions from fertilisers and pesticides need to be modelled, due to a variety of modelling options and their dependency on the availability of site-specific information. How to address these difficulties might affect the results reliability. Hence, this study aims to evaluate, using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, the influence of different models for estimating emissions from fertilisers and pesticides on the environmental impacts of barley cultivation in Denmark and Italy. Two models for fertilisers and pesticides' emissions have been applied; these differ on the extent of data requirements and complexity of calculation algorithms, which might increase the results accuracy and robustness. The results show that the modelling options do affect the environmental impacts of barley production, in particular climate change, eutrophication categories, acidification and freshwater eco-toxicity. This study estimates that the variations for such categories range from 15% in the case of climate change to 89% in the case of marine eutrophication. These findings highlight the importance of the emission modelling options as well as the constraints of data requirements, critical aspects when a LCA study on agricultural products is carried out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ximena C Schmidt Rivera
- School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The Mill, Sackville Street, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jacopo Bacenetti
- AgriFood LCA Lab, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Giovanni Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Fusi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The Mill, Sackville Street, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Monia Niero
- Division for Quantitative Sustainability Assessment (QSA), Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|