S15 - Session O4 - Energy efficiency and carbon emissions in fruit orchards

Authors: Maria Claudia Dussi *, Cristina Fernández, Liliana Flores

The objective of this study was to compare an organic-biodynamic (OB) fruit production system versus a conventional (C) one, taking into account the inputs and outputs of energy and CO 2 . emissions in North Patagonia, Argentina. The potential of the organic-biodynamic orchard as a CO 2 sink was also evaluated. The energy efficiency in the OB system was 2.85 and in the C 1.44; on the other hand, the specific energy was 0.94 and 1.86, respectively. The carbon footprint of the OB orchard was 0.073 Kg. CO 2 . eq./Kg. apple while that of C reached 0.136 Kg. CO 2 eq./Kg. When analyzing the OB system, it was observed that of the total GHG emissions generated in the analyzed orchard, 41% corresponded to cultural practices carried out during the spring, 36% during the summer and the remaining 23% during the winter. When the highest GHG emissions occurred, the capture of CO 2 by the orchard increased. In this sense, it is important to reassess the ecosystem functions provided by the orchards in the territory by capturing atmospheric CO 2 . This becomes more important if the total area planted in the different regions of the world is also considered. With which the valuation of these agroecosystems changes since not only the contamination generated by this agricultural activity should be considered, but also the capture of CO 2 that it originates