Abstract
Optimization of plant fertilization is an important element of all quality systems in primary production, such as Integrated Production, GLOBAL G.A.P. (Good Agriculture Practice) or SAI (Sustainable Agriculture Initiative). Fertilization is the most important element of agricultural treatments, affecting the quantity and quality of crops. The aim of the study was to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the cultivation of Chinese cabbage, depending on the technological variant. The factor modifying the production technology was the use of fertilizers with a slow release of nutrients. One tonne of marketable Chinese cabbage crop was selected as the functional unit. To achieve the research goal, a strict field experiment was carried out. Calculation of the total amount of GHG emitted from the crop was made in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. The system boundaries included the production and use of fertilizers and pesticides, energy consumption for agricultural practices and the emission of gases from soil resources and harvesting residue. The use of slow-release fertilizers resulted in a greater marketable yield of cabbage compared to conventional fertilizers. The results of the research indicate a significant potential for the use of slow-release fertilizers in reducing agricultural emissions. From the environmental and production point of view, the most favourable variant is the one with 108 kg N·ha−1 slow-release fertilizers. At a higher dose of this element, no increase in crop yield was observed. At this nitrogen dose, a 30% reduction in total GHG emissions and a 50% reduction in fertilizer emissions from the use of per product functional unit were observed. The reference object was fertilization in accordance with production practice in the test area.
Highlights
The environmental impact of plant production is mainly associated with the consumption of fossil fuels and the use of fertilizers and plant protection products
The potential for generating the greenhouse effect has been estimated based on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission calculated as per carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 )
Fertilization is a very important element of agricultural production technology. It shapes the size of the crop and the efficiency of using other means of production, such as plant protection products, water used for irrigation and energy used for growing and harvesting products
Summary
The environmental impact of plant production is mainly associated with the consumption of fossil fuels and the use of fertilizers and plant protection products. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are associated with energy consumption for the production, transport and application of fertilizers and plant protection products, irrigation, as well as the logistics process of food products [1]. Food production is associated with the intensive use of natural resources such as soil, water, space and energy resources [3]. Often regarded as conventional, has developed in response to the demand for cheap food production. It is characterized by maximizing production with the simultaneous increase in consumption of the means and energy resources [4]. The transformation of natural ecosystems into monocultural agrocenosis is associated with landscape changes that have a multidirectional, negative impact on the human environment [5]
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