Investigation of environmental impacts of potato production using life cycle assessment

In recent years, the debate over the environmental sustainability of agricultural productions is increased widely. In this context, environmental impacts of potato production in the Hamadan province (the largest producer of potatoes in Iran) were studied.

In this research, life cycle assessment approach was used to identify and reduce environmental impacts. Data were collected by face to face interview with farmers in Nahavand (2020-2021). The CML IA method was selected to impact assessment. The environmental impact were assessed for impact categories including involved the global warming potential, depletion of fossil fuel resources potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential and human toxicity potential. Producing one ton of potatoes was determined as a functional unit.

The results showed that the production of one-ton potato consumes 1774.75 MJ energy. It emits 125.52 kg CO2eq, 5.04 kg SO2eq, 1.34 kg PO4eq, 69.4 kg 1,4-DBeq that respectively are involved the global warming potential, depletion of fossil fuel resources potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential and human toxicity potential.

The analyses revealed that the production of chemical fertilizers and electricity had highest effects on global warming, depletion of fossil fuels and human toxicity. Also, direct emissions from the field because of nitrogen and phosphoric compound in fertilizers had highest effects on eutrophication and acidification.