Life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from changes in cane-growing practices
Paper
Renouf, Marguerite, Chamberlain, Sonya, Schroeder, Bernard, Westmor, Elisa and Quirk, Michael. 2024. "Life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from changes in cane-growing practices." 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2024). Townsville, Australia 15 - 19 Apr 2024 Australia. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
| Paper/Presentation Title | Life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from changes in cane-growing practices |
|---|---|
| Presentation Type | Paper |
| Authors | Renouf, Marguerite, Chamberlain, Sonya, Schroeder, Bernard, Westmor, Elisa and Quirk, Michael |
| Journal or Proceedings Title | Proceedings of the 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2024) |
| Journal Citation | pp. 408-413 |
| Number of Pages | 6 |
| Year | 2024 |
| Publisher | Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists |
| Place of Publication | Australia |
| ISSN | 0726–0822 |
| Web Address (URL) of Conference Proceedings | https://www.assct.com.au/images/2024_Conference/2024_ASSCT_Conference_Proceedings.pdf |
| Conference/Event | 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2024) |
| Event Details | 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2024) Parent Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Conference Delivery In person Event Date 15 to end of 19 Apr 2024 Event Location Townsville, Australia Event Description The 2024 conference holds special significance as it revolves around the theme of "Profitability, Sustainability, and Adaptability" This theme aptly reflects the ever-changing landscape of our industry and the crucial role that adaptability plays in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By embracing sustainability and adaptability we can secure a prosperous and resilient future for the sugar industry. |
| Abstract | The most effective practice changes for reducing life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sugarcane growing in Queensland were identified. GHG emission intensity per tonne harvested cane in three regions (Central, Burdekin and Wet Tropics) were calculated using the CaneLCA tool for a range of practice change scenarios relative to a current base case. As expected, more efficient use of nitrogen (N) was the biggest emissions saver, potentially increased further by enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEF) if any associated reductions in N rates do not compromise yields. In cases where water application rates or pumping head pressures are high, improved irrigation efficiency could be a similarly significant source of emission savings. Modest reductions can confidently be achieved from the adoption of wider row spacings (which reduces both tractor and harvester fuel use) and reduced tillage (which reduces tractor fuel use). Varying the amounts of herbicides applied had little impact on GHG emissions. The scale of potential emissions reductions was considered relative to those that have already occurred. A retrospective analysis (for the Wet Tropics region) showed that emissions intensity has already declined by about 30% as side effect of best management practice adoption to date for water quality protection, which is likely reflected across the state. This study suggests that if all the assessed tried and tested practice changes were adopted to a conservative extent (not including N rate reduction with use of EEF) further emission reductions of 13-16% may be possible relative to current practices. |
| Keywords | best management practices; Life cycle assessment; LCA; carbon footprint; climate change |
| Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 300409. Crop and pasture protection (incl. pests, diseases and weeds) |
| Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
| Byline Affiliations | Queensland University of Technology |
| Lifecycles, Australia | |
| Centre for Agricultural Engineering | |
| Canegrowers Australia |
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/zqz9q/life-cycle-assessment-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-changes-in-cane-growing-practices
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