An input flow analysis for improved environmental sustainability and management of cherry orchards: A case study in the Apulia region. (10th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tricase, C.; Rana, R.; Andriano, A.M.; Ingrao, C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 156(2017)
• Page Start: 766
• Page End: 774
• Publication Date: 2017-07-10
• Subjects: Life Cycle Assessment -- Cherry orchard management -- Input flow analysis -- Sustainability -- Sweet cherry; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Italy is the fourth top world cherries producer after Turkey, United States of America, Iran (Islam Republic of). The Apulia region is the largest sweet cherries ( Prunus avium L.) producer at the national level and in particular one of the most produced cultivar is "Ferrovia". This work is based upon a life-cycle approach, and is aimed at collecting and analysing the material and energy input-flows associated with a cherry orchard in the Apulia region. The study is intended both to serve as the starting base for performing the next phases of life-cycle inventory and environmental impact assessment, and to contribute in enhancing the current databases and scientific literature in this field. Furthermore, the study allowed the authors to highlight that the major inputs were due both to irrigation as large volumes of water used and diesel fuel consumption in particular to fertiliser and pesticide transportation and administration. The study can be considered as bases for further evaluation and reduction of the related environmental impacts. Highlights: The Apulia region is the major cherries producer in Italy. A sweet cherry orchard located in Southern Italy was investigated. Input analysis was applied to perform a LCA of sweet cherry production. Primary data were obtained from farmer and secondary extrapolated from Ecoinvent. Major inputs were due to irrigation and fuel consumption for orchard management.