Assessing the environmental quality of agricultural spreading: a new approach using life cycle assessment

Abstract

Quality of agricultural spreading processes depends both on the spreader performances and fertilizing elements behaviour. This dual aspect can be examined through a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), especially considering the operational stage of the life cycle where the quality of application will influence the amount of emissions. LCA is an effective method of accounting for the environmental benefits and burdens of the production of goods and services. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the environmental impacts of three fertilizing scenarios: application of mineral fertilizers, liquid manure and solid manure. The environmental categories assessed were: climate change, acidification, eutrophication and terrestrial toxicity. Emissions related to the tractors operation are lower than emissions induced by mineral and organic fertilizers application. Ecodesign has an important issue in reducing environmental impacts by improving application quality and developing manure injection.