Beet Sowing Seed Production: Environmental and Economic Aspects in Irrigation System – Some Insights

Taking the production of beet sowing seeds as a reference, two irrigation systems widely used in various Italian areas were evaluated on a technical and economic level and subsequently for LCA analyses. The systems used were the hose reel sprinkler powered by endothermic motor-pump unit, and self-compensating drip line also powered by endothermic motor-pump unit with specific filtration system. The systems were evaluated in the same pedoclimatic, and management conditions and the results highlighted rather marked advantages for the localized system. The environmental and economic analyses identified the best irrigation system. The data showed slight reduction in total irrigation costs per hectare (5%) to the advantage of localized irrigation and over 40% reduction in water food print for self-compensating drip line system.