Purpose Carbon footprint (CF), nitrogen footprint (NF), and water scarcity footprint (WSF) are increasingly used to reduce the environmental impact due to agricultural practices, mainly fertilization and water use. The aim of the study was to assess and quantify the CF, NF, and WSF of cauliflower and broccoli production in three different edapho-climatic areas of Spain (Badajoz, Granada, and Valencia) with increasing nitrogen fertilizer rates (N0, N1, N2, and N3). Methods The environmental burdens and footprints associated to these crops were calculated and evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The functional unit defined was the mass unit, 1 t of commercial fresh weight of each crop. GHG emissions were calculated following a LCA from the cradle (raw material extraction) to the farm gate (last harvest). Inputs and outputs associated to all phases (fertilizers, crop management, pesticides, and irrigation system) carried out during the production process of each crop in all scenarios were considered. Reactive nitrogen (Nr) emission and NF of the cauliflower and broccoli crops production were quantified following the perspective of LCA approach, considering the inputs and outputs associated to the fertilizers applied (different N rates, P2O5, and K2O). WSF was calculated as the product of water applied by irrigation during the crop cycles of each scenario per t of commercial fresh product and the water stress index based on location. Results and discussion The results demonstrated environmental and agronomic benefits of adequate nitrogen management in broccoli and cauliflower production in different areas of Spain, maintaining or reducing CF, NF, and Nr emissions, without reducing crop yields. For example, a reduction of 18% of CF and of 17% of NF was observed under treatment N2 (212 kg ha−1) compared to N3 (313 kg ha−1) for broccoli in Badajoz. In addition, the selection of areas with climatic conditions that require less water for irrigation, such as Badajoz, contributed to the reduction of WSF, resulting in a mean difference between treatments of 42.3 m3t−1 for cauliflower and 81 m3 t−1 for broccoli compared to Valencia and Granada, respectively. Conclusions and recommendations The optimization of nitrogen fertilizers application combined with an efficient irrigation system (using recycled and/or longer service life materials and renewable energy sources) should be a priority for mitigating CF and NF and reduction of Nr emissions in broccoli and cauliflower production. Designing optimal fertilization treatments in areas with lower water consumption could be considered an alternative management tool for sustainable agriculture of Brassica oleracea crops, while maintaining or increasing crop productivity.

Nitrogen, carbon, and water scarcity footprints of Brassica oleracea production

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年5月13日

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Mercedes Romero-Gámez,
José M. Vadillo,
Elisa M. Suárez-Rey

摘要

Purpose

Carbon footprint (CF), nitrogen footprint (NF), and water scarcity footprint (WSF) are increasingly used to reduce the environmental impact due to agricultural practices, mainly fertilization and water use. The aim of the study was to assess and quantify the CF, NF, and WSF of cauliflower and broccoli production in three different edapho-climatic areas of Spain (Badajoz, Granada, and Valencia) with increasing nitrogen fertilizer rates (N0, N1, N2, and N3).

Methods

The environmental burdens and footprints associated to these crops were calculated and evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The functional unit defined was the mass unit, 1 t of commercial fresh weight of each crop. GHG emissions were calculated following a LCA from the cradle (raw material extraction) to the farm gate (last harvest). Inputs and outputs associated to all phases (fertilizers, crop management, pesticides, and irrigation system) carried out during the production process of each crop in all scenarios were considered. Reactive nitrogen (Nr) emission and NF of the cauliflower and broccoli crops production were quantified following the perspective of LCA approach, considering the inputs and outputs associated to the fertilizers applied (different N rates, P₂O₅, and K₂O). WSF was calculated as the product of water applied by irrigation during the crop cycles of each scenario per t of commercial fresh product and the water stress index based on location.

Results and discussion

The results demonstrated environmental and agronomic benefits of adequate nitrogen management in broccoli and cauliflower production in different areas of Spain, maintaining or reducing CF, NF, and Nr emissions, without reducing crop yields. For example, a reduction of 18% of CF and of 17% of NF was observed under treatment N₂ (212 kg ha⁻¹) compared to N₃ (313 kg ha⁻¹) for broccoli in Badajoz. In addition, the selection of areas with climatic conditions that require less water for irrigation, such as Badajoz, contributed to the reduction of WSF, resulting in a mean difference between treatments of 42.3 m³t⁻¹ for cauliflower and 81 m³ t⁻¹ for broccoli compared to Valencia and Granada, respectively.

Conclusions and recommendations

The optimization of nitrogen fertilizers application combined with an efficient irrigation system (using recycled and/or longer service life materials and renewable energy sources) should be a priority for mitigating CF and NF and reduction of Nr emissions in broccoli and cauliflower production. Designing optimal fertilization treatments in areas with lower water consumption could be considered an alternative management tool for sustainable agriculture of Brassica oleracea crops, while maintaining or increasing crop productivity.