Pesticide Use and Associated Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Sugar Beet, Apples, and Viticulture in Austria from 2000 to 2019

Abstract

The production of synthetic pesticides is energy intensive and can emit even more greenhouse gases (GHG) per kg than the production of synthetic fertilizers. However, this aspect is largely neglected when it comes to agriculture’s contribution to GHG emissions. Using official pesticide sales data from Austria from 2000 to 2019, we analyzed (i) trends in insecticide, fungicide, and herbicide use and calculated production-related GHG emissions, and (ii) the share of pesticide-related versus fertilizer-related GHG emissions in three agricultural crops with different pesticide intensities: sugar beets, apples, and grapevines. We found that between 2000 and 2019, insecticide amounts increased by 58%, fungicide amounts increased by 29%, and herbicide amounts decreased by 29%; associated GHG emissions showed similar patterns. During the same period, acreage under conventional arable crops, orchards, and vineyards decreased by an average of 19%, indicating an increase in management intensity. In intensive apple production, GHG emissions associated with pesticide production and application accounted for 51% of total GHG emissions, in viticulture 37%, and in sugar beets 12%. We have shown that GHG emissions due to pesticide production and application can be significant, especially for pesticide-intensive crops. We therefore recommend that these pesticide-derived GHG emissions should also be attributed to the agricultural sector.

Consumer Knowledge and Preferences for Organic and Sustainably Certified Wines: Lessons from the DACH Region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

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“…This nutritional imbalance generates i) high economic costs for farmers due to synthetic fertilizers representing 32.7% of the total cost for wheat production, and ii) environmental hazards by nitrogen leaching and volatilization, such as pollution of groundwater and surface waters, and biological and nutrient stresses 10 , 11 . In addition, the increased demand for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers generates high energy costs, primarily derived from fossil fuels, producing greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane 12 , 13 .…”

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“…In addition, the production and application of insecticides emit many greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. 11 An alternative control method, N. lugens-resistant plant varieties, is environmentally friendly and economically effective, and would be a better strategy for integrated pest management in rice. 12 To date, 45 BPH resistance genes have been identified from indica rice and wild rice germplasms.…”

“…The excessive use of pesticides kills not only these pests but also nontarget arthropods, especially the beneficial nature enemies. In addition, the production and application of insecticides emit many greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming 11 . An alternative control method, N. lugens ‐resistant plant varieties, is environmentally friendly and economically effective, and would be a better strategy for integrated pest management in rice 12 .…”