Carbon footprint of long fallow wheat production in north-east NSW using Life Cycle Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract

Key findings • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of no-till wheat production after long fallow in the north east NSW (NE NSW) region, based around Gunnedah, using averaged district data has demonstrated that major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the manufacture and use of nitrogen fertiliser. Machinery modifications may give small reductions in GHGs. • There is a need to extend LCA to examine the effects of replacing N fertiliser with legumes in cropping systems and provide other economically viable options to reduce GHG emissions. Key findings • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of no-till wheat production after long fallow in the north east NSW (NE NSW) region, based around Gunnedah, using averaged district data has demonstrated that major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the manufacture and use of nitrogen fertiliser. Machinery modifications may give small reductions in GHGs. • There is a need to extend LCA to examine the effects of replacing N fertiliser with legumes in cropping systems and provide other economically viable options to reduce GHG emissions.