Development of a web application for estimating carbon footprints of organic farms

Abstract

Organic farmers often use complex management practices to foster a positive impact on the environment. Many tools exist to aid in estimating environmental services but few are able to properly handle the complexities of organic agriculture. We developed an online tool called OFoot to estimate the carbon footprint of organic farms located in the Pacific Northwest and to help evaluate the potential for environmental benefits. OFoot utilizes a cradle-to-gate carbon calculator and a biophysical, process-based, cropping and field management model. We present the software architecture of the tool, model descriptions, and a case study which simulates several scenarios of organic potato production. The scenario simulating potato production with organic fertilizers and a leguminous winter cover crop sequestered soil carbon. The other scenarios, either lacking fertilizer or cover crops, lost soil carbon. The usefulness of the tool as an aid to management decisions is demonstrated.