Life Cycle Assessment for Olive Production: A Case Study for the Region of Trás-os-Montes, Portugal

Abstract

Abstract The olive tree (Olea europaea L.), widely cultivated in the Mediterranean countries for olive oil and table olive production, has an important economic role. In the age of climate change, it is crucial to know the importance of environmental impacts associated to the production system. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterise the environmental impacts of a semi-intensive olive orchard drip irrigated with ground water, located in the Northeast Region of Portugal. Life cycle analysis was conducted according to ISO 14040. We used openLCA software, the Agribalyse V. 3 database, and a cradle-to-gate analysis in the impact assessment (Recipe Midpoint (H) V1.13). In the climate change category, the results indicated that for production of 1 kg olives, a total of 0.249 kg CO2-Eq. were emitted to the atmosphere. Regarding the direct impact of production system, a total of 0.177 kg CO2-Eq. (71.5%) were emitted, followed by indirect impacts associated with raw material of the irrigation system (0.032 kg CO2-Eq. total, 12.7%), and electricity needed to pump ground water (0.012 kg CO2-Eq., 4.8%). In relation to inputs for production, the raw material for urea production contributed 0.013 kg CO2-Eq. (5.0%) of total emissions. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first carried out in this region, and contributes to a better understanding of environmental impacts that will allow their minimisation and ensure olive orchard sustainability.