전과정평가법을 활용한 고구마 및 풋옥수수의 탄소배출량 산정

Abstract

In this study, we calculated the carbon emissions of sweet potato and corn production systems using Life Cycle Assessment methodology with the national Life Cycle Inventory database and the latest Korean statistics for agricultural products. Previous calculations of carbon emissions for sweet potato and corn were not accurate because they did not reflect current statistics and cultivation management. Fertilizer and electricity consumption are the highest among the materials input to 1 kg for sweet potato production, with fertilizer amount of 2.94E − 01 kg/kg and electricity consumption of 1.32E − 01 kWh/kg. Also, fertilizer amount is the highest among the materials input to 1 kg for corn production, with fertilizer amount of 9.16E − 01 kg/kg. Direct emission of greenhouse gases showed a carbon footprint of 2.70E − 01 kg CO₂-equivalent (eq.)/kg for sweet potato and 1.98E − 01 kg CO₂-eq./kg for corn. Also, the result of Life Cycle Impact Assessment for sweet potato and corn production systems, Global Warming Potential for characterization value was 2.70E − 01 kg CO₂-eq./kg for sweet potato and 1.98E − 01 kg CO₂-eq./kg for corn. The results of this study will be able to contribute to improving accuracy and reliability of carbon footprint of agricultural products.