Computer-aided environmental risk assessment of potato cultivation technology using openlca software

Abstract

The article discusses the environmental impact of the tillage processes of potato production. The analysis was performed using a simplified LCA ( Life Cycle Assessment) software. Depending on the purpose and the level of detail of the process analysis, the LCA technique of environmental management may require computer assistance. Even then, carrying it out is very complex, long and costly. The aim of the study was to explore the possibility of the use of open source software for a simplified life-cycle analysis of potato with LCA method. There was selected OpenLCA - GreenDelta TC GmbH, v.1.3.1 software. The diagrams of unit process streams and energy inputs incurred on the individual processes of cultivation were designed based on literature. There were compared environmental hazards of the two systems of potato cultivation: with using the plough and the simplified one in terms of atmospheric pollution with chemicals emitted by the engines of agricultural tractors in the course of the subsequent agricultural procedures. The study results confirmed the suitability of the software for the initial evaluation (screening) of environmental hazards using LCA method. The software is compatible with both the open source databases and commercial databases. Environmental impacts of cultivation technologies are presented in a form of a graphic illustration of pollution emissions. Also, the problems hindering the use of the software are indicated.