An Integrated Framework for Regional Assessment of Water, Energy, and Nutrients from Food Loss of Selected Crops in the Lower Fraser Valley, Canada

Reinesch, Ana; Fausak, Lewis; Joseph, Anne M.; Kylstra, Skylar; Lavkulich, L. M.

doi:10.4236/as.2022.135042

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 22 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…For each region and crop, the water demand and nutrient content were calculated on an annual basis, as graphically described in Figure 3 and consistent with the procedures outlined by [30] and [37].…”

Section: Annual Calculationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, most food waste studies are restricted to either environmental or nutritional implications, and detailed nutritional studies are commonly limited to specific countries and food groups [9] [29]. Reinesch et al, 2022 [30] recently estimated both water and nutrient losses from selected crops in the Lower Fraser Valley, Canada. The present study expands that analysis and assesses local data on food wastage by comparing the results from the Lower Fraser Valley [30] to two additional important agro-climatic zones in BC, Canada.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reinesch et al, 2022 [30] recently estimated both water and nutrient losses from selected crops in the Lower Fraser Valley, Canada. The present study expands that analysis and assesses local data on food wastage by comparing the results from the Lower Fraser Valley [30] to two additional important agro-climatic zones in BC, Canada.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Water, Energy and Nutrient Losses from Food Wastage of Selected Crops in Three Agro-Climatic Zones in British Columbia, Canada

Reinesch¹,

Fausak²,

Joseph³

et al. 2022

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Food waste is a growing global concern. Data on the factors and magnitude are largely global estimates, thus local studies aid in providing information on the impacts of food waste. Three important agro-climatic zones in British Columbia and nine common crops, both annual and perennial, were selected to evaluate the environmental and nutritional implications of local food waste. Using Canadian estimates of total food waste, the constituent water, caloric content, protein, vitamin C, phosphorus and potassium wasted by each crop were estimated. Regionally, the total production and losses were the highest in the Lower Fraser Valley which had high production of potatoes and blueberries, followed by the Okanagan, with grapes and apples, and Vancouver Island, with potatoes. Virtual water was estimated by the BC Agriculture Water Calculator and used to assess the soil and climatic factors impacting the local water demand. Although soil texture seemed to influence water demand, the agro-climatic zone was the main factor controlling the water demand and the corresponding amount of water wasted. Dry agro-climatic zones had annual virtual water up to two times higher for the same crop and soil texture. Lower water demand crops, finer soils and more efficient irrigation systems were more congruent with water stress scenarios. Total losses for each region were based on conservative estimates and would have supplied the caloric energy and protein for over 40,000 adults, and vitamin C for over 300,000 adults for one year. Additionally, the total N, P and K wasted accounted for up to 32, 2 and 13 kg/ha respectively for common fertilizers used in British Columbia. This study confirmed the significance of food waste impacts on local water demand, human nutrition and soil management based on regional data for representative crops.

show abstract

Section: Annual Calculationsmentioning

confidence: 99%