Life Cycle Analyses of Fertilizers: Carbon Emissions as a Measure of Energy Effi ciency

Abstract

Using the analysis of the life cycle of fertilizers, it is shown that the values of greenhouse gas emissions can be considered as an indicator of energy ef iiency. Taking into account the huge array of data accumulated in recent years on greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2 and methane), it is possible to consider the problem of energy ef iiency (carbon dioxide emissions occur during fuel combustion, f rst of all, as well methane and CO 2 as precursors for N fertilizer) in the chain from fertilizer production to their logistics, application, production and waste disposal. Relevant examples are given in the text of the article. It is shown, that an increase in energy ef iiency in the considered life cycle of fertilizers, from production to utilization of agricultural waste, can signif cantly reduce the role of agricultural production in undesirable GHG emissions. It should be emphasized that reducing the potential of GHG emissions in the production of fertilizers depends on the source of energy used and the transfer of power plants from coal to gas, and especially RES, will be the most signif cant. When growing products, factors related to the use of modern farming systems based on accurate fertilization, the use of electronic soil maps, precision farming and increasing the ef iiency of fertilizer use, in particular, nitrogen and phosphorus, play a very important role.