Abstract
Quinoa is an adaptable plant that is rich in terms of nutritional properties. Currently, the promotion and cultivation of quinoa are expanding in Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the energy consumption of quinoa grain production and its environmental impacts through life cycle assessment. In this regard, in order to evaluate the environmental and energy indices, required data were collected from quinoa farmers in Isfahan. The high energy ratio (ER > 1) and positive net energy show that quinoa cultivation is efficient. Based on the results, irrigation water and nitrate fertilizer were identified as the major contributors to energy consumption. Based on the normalization method, the highest and lowest environmental impacts during the production process were related to the indices of marine aquatic ecotoxicity and ozone layer depletion, respectively. Results showed that in the global warming potential impact, 354 kg CO2eq. were emitted per production of 1 tonne of quinoa grain. Diesel fuel and nitrogen fertilizer had a significant effect on most environmental impacts. Proper management of chemical fertilizers and agricultural machinery are key factors for sustainable cultivation of quinoa.
Highlights
Agricultural crops play an important role in human life
The results revealed that the insecticide and seed had the least demanding energy inputs for quinoa production
In a study that was conducted on potato energy flow in Isfahan province, the highest energy consumption was related to chemical fertilizers (PishgarKomleh et al 2012)
Summary
Agricultural crops play an important role in human life. Population growth requires increased food production and increased the quantity and quality of agricultural products. Quinoa is cultivated in most parts of the world due to the high quality of quinoa grain and its high production potential in tough cultivation conditions (Gomez-Pando and Eguiluz-de 2013). This crop can be used directly as human food (after Saponin removal) or can be processed (bread, cake, and pasta). The protein content of quinoa is two times higher than it in wheat, and it is one of the few nonmeat proteins that is qualitatively and quantitatively better than other plant proteins (Ceccato et al 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
