An analysis of energy use and economic and environmental impacts in conventional tunnel and LED-equipped vertical systems in healing and acclimatization of grafted watermelon seedlings

Abstract

Uncertain climate changes and increasing energy and food production demands lead to food insecurity, especially for drought-prone areas like the study region, Iran. This study assesses the energy use, economic, and environmental impacts of two different healing and acclimatization systems, the conventional tunnel systems (CTS) and the LED-equipped vertical systems (LVS), for grafted watermelon seedlings in Iran. Life cycle assessment (LCA), cumulative exergy demand (CExD), and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) approaches are used to assess the impacts of grafted watermelon seedlings. The functional unit is one million grafted watermelon seedlings (MGWS). The top findings of this study indicate that CTS increases energy consumption, damage to human health, ecosystems, and resources compared with the LVS. Further, the economic analysis revealed that the net profit in the multi-floored LVS is 24% higher than that of the CTS. In conclusion, LVS is less energy consumptive and environmentally burdensome yet more profitable than the CTS. Notably, the finding from this study supports recommendations that will be useful for industries or producers who need to develop sustainable grafted watermelon or vegetable production systems in Iran or similar regions. Top recommendations include using organic fertilizers , multi-floor LVS, and most importantly, replacing CTS with LVS to promote a sustainable agricultural production system. • Conventional tunnel systems consume more energy than LED-equipped vertical systems. • LED-equipped vertical systems reduce human health and ecosystem impacts. • LED-equipped vertical systems are more profitable than conventional tunnel systems.