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Effects of Alternative Fertilization and Irrigation Practices on the Energy Use and Carbon Footprint of Canning Peach Orchards

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  • Persefoni Maletsika

    (Laboratory of Pomology, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Fitoko Str., 38446 Volos, Greece)

  • Chris Cavalaris

    (Laboratory of Farm Mechanization, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Fitoko Str., 38446 Volos, Greece)

  • Vasileios Giouvanis

    (Laboratory of Pomology, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Fitoko Str., 38446 Volos, Greece)

  • George D. Nanos

    (Laboratory of Pomology, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Fitoko Str., 38446 Volos, Greece)

Abstract

Throughout peach orchards in Greece, plant protection, fertilization and irrigation are often conducted empirically, negatively affecting energy use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions). The aim of this study was to apply alternative fertilization and irrigation practices in canning peach orchards to improve nutrient and irrigation water management and to assess yield, energy input–output and the carbon footprint of the alternative cultivation practices for three important clingstone cultivars of different ripening periods. Energy use analysis revealed that the cultivation practice with the highest energy use was almost always irrigation, followed by fertilization, plant protection, weed control and pruning. Electricity, fuels, fertilizers and machinery presented the highest energy requirements. Alternative fertilization, in combination with deficit irrigation (DI), was more energy efficient compared to farmers’ practices in all cultivars based on energy use efficiency, energy productivity and specific energy. Irrigation was the cultivation practice with the highest impact on GHG emissions due to electricity and, secondly, to fuel consumption. Alternative fertilization and DI decreased the intensity (kg CO 2 eq kg −1 ) of the emitted GHG compared to farmers’ practices. In conclusion, alternative fertilization and irrigation practices improved energy use efficiency and decreased the carbon footprint of the canning peach orchards by improving yield and decreasing fertilizer and irrigation water input.

Suggested Citation

  • Persefoni Maletsika & Chris Cavalaris & Vasileios Giouvanis & George D. Nanos, 2022. "Effects of Alternative Fertilization and Irrigation Practices on the Energy Use and Carbon Footprint of Canning Peach Orchards," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8583-:d:861959
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