Greenhouse Gas Analysis in Field Maize Agriculture Using Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract

The scope of this research was limited to analyzing land preparation and harvested maize. This study aimed to identify and measure the largest GHG in each process of field maize farming to design efficient mitigation efforts. This research employed a field research method and involved five farmer groups with different field maize farming models. The data analysis referred to the SNI ISO 14040: 2016 Framework, consisting of four stages: goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory analysis, life cycle impact assessment, and life cycle interpretation. The life cycle inventory used energy coefficients, emission factors, and the Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines. The results showed that the Total Global Warming Potential (GWP 100) in one ton of shelled maize production was 251.50–10,000.29 CO2 eq. The largest GWP was found in biomass burning and the use of Urea and NPK fertilizers. The potential for burning biomass was 5,533.67–9,683.93 CO2 eq per ton of shelled maize. There are two recommended efforts to minimize GHG emissions: converting biomass into feed and using organic fertilizer to reduce GWP from the use of fertilizer.