Designing eco-efficient crop rotations using life cycle assessment of crop combinations

Nemecek, Thomas; Hayer, Frank; Bonnin, Emmanuel; Carrouée, Benoît; Schneider, Anne; Vivier, Christophe

doi:10.1016/j.eja.2015.01.005

Cited by 111 publications

(75 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…However, in this study, land use changes have not been included in life cycle assessments, although diversification of crop rotations together with improved management may significantly impact carbon footprint (Zeijts et al, 1999;Nemecek et al, 2012Nemecek et al, , 2015, which may have introduced some uncertainty into the GHG emissions and carbon footprint calculations. Moreover, many studies have shown that soil organic carbon storage was increased in NT and high nitrogen fertilizer treatments (Baker et al, 2007;Blanco-Canqui and Lal, 2008;Kahlon et al, 2013;Ussir and Lal, 2009;West and Post, 2002;Zhang et al, 2013b).…”

Section: Potential Limitations Of This Studymentioning

confidence: 93%

Lowering carbon footprint of winter wheat by improving management practices in North China Plain

Wang

Zhang

Lü

et al. 2016

Journal of Cleaner Production

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Section: Potential Limitations Of This Studymentioning

confidence: 93%

Lowering carbon footprint of winter wheat by improving management practices in North China Plain

Wang

Zhang

Lü

et al. 2016

Journal of Cleaner Production

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“…The production and use of mineral N fertilizer was associated with high environmental burdens and costs. Consequently, N fertilization was one of the key factors that influenced the environmental impact and economic efficiency of CRs 7. Within the same region, the N fertilization rate could vary widely between CRs; in particular, a high share of cereals in the CR could lead to a high N fertilization rate 7.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Effective CR tends to reduce the input of crop protection agents and increase yields 6. Thus, the benefits of diverse CRs along with improved resource‐efficient management are key to sustainable EC management 7.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Energy Crop Rotation Design on Multiple Aspects of Resource Efficiency

Peter

Glemnitz

Winter³

et al. 2016

Chem Eng & Technol

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Biogas production can cause environmental problems due to a biased alignment of one energy crop used as a feedstock, e.g., maize in Germany. Diversification of crop rotations and resource-efficient management can be the key to sustainable crop management. Four crop rotations on eight sites across Germany were evaluated in terms of their resource efficiency (area use, energy, and economic efficiency) to derive options. Analysis revealed high variation in all indicators under review, with a high variance explanation by the interaction between crop rotation and regional characteristics. Furthermore, results indicate that high area-specific methane yields do not equate to high energy efficiency. Crop management adaptation is a useful tool for optimizing resource efficiency.

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“…Switching from cereal-intensive crop rotations towards diverse cropping sequencing benefits the environment, e.g. through better nutrient management, reduced need for nitrogen (N) fertilizers, increased biodiversity, improved soil conditions and functions and reduced pest, disease and weed risks [6–8]. Especially N fixing legumes are appreciated as break-crops [9–11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Diversification is also one of the core means to increase resilience of crop production to weather variability [12]. To capitalize on the benefits from diversification and to better design crop rotations, eco-efficiency (the ratio between environmental impact and economic value) needs to be assessed [8]. Diversified land use is a key element of sustainable intensification of cropping systems, that need to be designed locally [13], to reduce yield gaps and gain environmental sustainability, economic profitability and social acceptability [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Land Use, Yield and Quality Changes of Minor Field Crops: Is There Superseded Potential to Be Reinvented in Northern Europe?

2016

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Diversification of agriculture was one of the strengthened aims of the greening payment of European Agricultural Policy (CAP) as diversification provides numerous ecosystems services compared to cereal-intensive crop rotations. This study focuses on current minor crops in Finland that have potential for expanded production and considers changes in their cropping areas, yield trends, breeding gains, roles in crop rotations and potential for improving resilience. Long-term datasets of Natural Resources Institute Finland and farmers’ land use data from the Agency of Rural Affairs were used to analyze the above-mentioned trends and changes. The role of minor crops in rotations declined when early and late CAP periods were compared and that of cereal monocultures strengthened. Genetic yield potentials of minor crops have increased as also genetic improvements in quality traits, although some typical trade-offs with improved yields have also appeared. However, the gap between potential and attained yields has expanded, depending on the minor crop, as national yield trends have either stagnated or declined. When comparing genetic improvements of minor crops to those of the emerging major crop, spring wheat, breeding achievements in minor crops were lower. It was evident that the current agricultural policies in the prevailing market and the price environment have not encouraged cultivation of minor crops but further strengthened the role of cereal monocultures. We suggest optimization of agricultural land use, which is a core element of sustainable intensification, as a future means to couple long-term environmental sustainability with better success in economic profitability and social acceptability. This calls for development of effective policy instruments to support farmer’s diversification actions.

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Designing eco-efficient crop rotations using life cycle assessment of crop combinations

Cited by 111 publications

References 27 publications

Lowering carbon footprint of winter wheat by improving management practices in North China Plain

Lowering carbon footprint of winter wheat by improving management practices in North China Plain

Impact of Energy Crop Rotation Design on Multiple Aspects of Resource Efficiency

Land Use, Yield and Quality Changes of Minor Field Crops: Is There Superseded Potential to Be Reinvented in Northern Europe?

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