Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuanmei Zhu, Jianli Ding, Zipeng Zhang, Jinjie Wang, Xiangyue Chen, Lijing Han, Haobo Shi, Jingzhe Wang
Summary: Preventing soil salinization is crucial for the healthy development of agroecosystems in arid regions. This study used field observations, environmental covariates, and the randomForest algorithm to estimate the spatial distribution of soil salinity in the Weiku Oasis. The results showed that soil salinity was low in the interior of the oasis, high in the desert oasis interlacing zone, and decreased with increasing soil depth. The findings provide insights into improving irrigation techniques in arid zone agroecosystems.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco Pedrero Salcedo, Pedro Perez Cutillas, Juan Jose Alarcon Cabanero, Alessandro Gaetano Vivaldi
Summary: The global water crisis, driven by water scarcity and water quality deterioration, is expected to continue and intensify in dry and overpopulated areas, and will play a critical role in meeting future agricultural demands. This study focuses on the influence of environmental factors on soil salinity and its effect on irrigated agriculture using degraded water. The findings suggest that remote sensing techniques and environmental data can be used to detect and monitor soil salinity in citrus trees. Incorporating other variables related to agricultural management practices will improve soil salinity predictive models.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David Emde, Kirsten D. Hannam, Ilka Most, Louise M. Nelson, Melanie D. Jones
Summary: The study found that irrigated agriculture can increase soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, with the greatest increase observed in semi-arid regions at shallow soil depths. The impact of irrigation on SOC varies by climate and soil texture, with sprinkler irrigated sites showing an increase in SOC while drip irrigated sites showing a decrease.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Liumei Chen, Dongbo Zhao, Guangzhong Han, Fei Yang, Zitong Gong, Xiaodong Song, Decheng Li, Ganlin Zhang
Summary: Iron (Fe) loss from paddy soils during rice cultivation is influenced by soil properties, history of rice cultivation, and artificial irrigation and drainage. This loss has an impact on soil dynamics and the biogeochemical cycle of iron.
SCIENCE CHINA-EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Reza Keshavarz Afshar, Perry Cabot, Travis Banet, Liping Li, James A. Ippolito
Summary: The study found that conversion from conventional tillage to no-till in surface irrigated agroecosystems can lead to higher crop yields and improved soil health. Different residue management practices also have different impacts on soil health in these systems.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mitiku Mihiret Seyoum, Rachel Lichtenberg, Ezra Orlofsky, Nirit Bernstein, Osnat Gillor
Summary: This study investigated the influence of using treated wastewater for irrigation on the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil and crops. Contrary to expectations, the ARGs in the irrigation water did not propagate to the soil or crops. Instead, a variety of ARGs were found in the surface wash of the crops that were not detected in the water or soil samples. These findings are important for understanding the relationship between irrigation water quality and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in soil and agricultural produce.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Qingwei Zhuang, Zhenfeng Shao, Xiao Huang, Ya Zhang, Wenfu Wu, Xiaoxiao Feng, Xianwei Lv, Qing Ding, Bowen Cai, Orhan Altan
Summary: This study explores the spatiotemporal variations of soil salinization by coupling spatial distribution and landscape patterns in the irrigated northern slopes of Tianshan Mountains. The proportion of salinized cultivated land has increased over the years, but the percentage of soil salinization in stable cultivated land has significantly decreased.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ajay Singh
Summary: The advancement of irrigated agriculture is crucial for meeting the growing food demands of the world's population and achieving sustainable development goals. However, without proper management, it can lead to rising aquifer levels and salinization in irrigated areas. Currently, over a fifth of irrigated lands worldwide are affected by these problems, and if left unaddressed, they could spread to over half of the irrigated lands by 2050. This study developed a water balance model and simulation model to assess the situation in an irrigated region of India and recommended management plans such as altered cropping pattern and canal lining.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Martti Vasar, John Davison, Mari Moora, Siim-Kaarel Sepp, Sten Anslan, Saleh Al-Quraishy, Mohammad Bahram, C. Guillermo Bueno, Juan Jose Cantero, Ezequiel Chimbioputo Fabiano, Guillaume Decocq, Rein Drenkhan, Lauchlan Fraser, Jane Oja, Roberto Garibay-Orijel, Inga Hiiesalu, Kadri Koorem, Ladislav Mucina, Maarja Opik, Sergei Polme, Meelis Partel, Cherdchai Phosri, Marina Semchenko, Tanel Vahter, Jiri Dolezal, Aida M. Vasco Palacios, Leho Tedersoo, Martin Zobel
Summary: This study compares the use of eDNA sequencing with traditional plant inventory methods to assess global variation in plant diversity and community composition. Results show that eDNA-based methods accurately represent large-scale patterns in plant diversity and composition.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geography
Concha Cano-Diaz, Romy Zeiss, Claudia Carvalho-Santos, Rui P. Carvalho, Sofia R. Costa, A. Carolina Duarte, Paulo Fernandes, Carlos A. Guerra
Summary: Soil degradation has detrimental effects on ecosystem functions and biodiversity, impacting essential processes like food production and water quality. This study assessed eight soil threats and measured the importance of anthropogenic and environmental variables. The vulnerability maps provide valuable information for informed decision making in soil management and strategic policy formulation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Konstantina Fotia, Andi Mehmeti, Ioannis Tsirogiannis, George Nanos, Andreas P. Mamolos, Nikolaos Malamos, Pantelis Barouchas, Mladen Todorovic
Summary: This study conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Greek olive orchard systems in the plain of Arta, comparing rainfed, DSS-based irrigation, and farmer experience-based irrigation practices. It showed that smart irrigation could reduce water and energy use significantly, leading to a more sustainable intensification of olive cultivation in the region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohamed O. Arnous, Basma M. H. Mansour
Summary: This study utilizes satellite data and fieldwork to monitor, analyze, assess, and map the environmental land degradation impacts in the Suez Canal region. The results show that vegetation and urban areas have increased in their areas over a 34-year period, and 97% of the region has experienced a rise in land surface temperature.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Asjad Tariq Sheikh, Amin Mugera, Ram Pandit, Michael Burton, Stephen Davies
Summary: Soil salinization is a serious environmental problem in arid and semi-arid regions, affecting crop yields and jeopardizing food security. This study investigates the gypsum adoption process in irrigated salt-affected farmland in three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. Factors that affect the speed of adoption and the impact on crop yields are analyzed, indicating that policies increasing exposure to gypsum technology and formal information, reducing barriers to credit access, and providing secure land entitlements can promote gypsum adoption.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Elia Scudiero, Dennis L. Corwin, Paul T. Markley, Alireza Pourreza, Tait Rounsaville, Theodor Bughici, Todd H. Skaggs
Summary: The on-the-go soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) sensors and gamma-ray spectrometry are important tools for measuring and mapping soil properties in micro-irrigated orchards. A mobile platform and data post-processing algorithm were developed to improve the measurement and characterization of soil properties in micro-irrigated orchard systems.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Morad Mirzaei, Manouchehr Gorji Anari, Nermina Saronjic, Sudip Sarkar, Iris Kral, Andreas Gronauer, Safwan Mohammed, Andres Caballero-Calvo
Summary: Intensification of specific land management operations is causing land degradation and ecosystem pollution. Mulches are a sustainable solution to these problems, especially in low-income rural areas dependent on agriculture. This study evaluated the environmental impact of different rates of wheat residues in corn silage cultivation using the life cycle assessment method in a semi-arid region in Iran. The results showed that the no-tillage system with full retention of wheat residues is a more environmentally sustainable practice for corn silage production.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alba Roibas-Rozas, Montserrat Nunez, Anuska Mosquera-Corral, Almudena Hospido
Summary: Salinity is changing in aquatic systems due to human activities and climate change, and its effects on overall ecosystems are still not well understood. This research introduces a new framework to study the impacts of salinity variations, including the possible positive effects of emissions. The framework was validated by applying it to an estuarine area in northwestern Spain, where sharp drops in salt concentration have caused mass mortalities of shellfish.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alexander Cremer, Katrin Mueller, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: This study investigates the conditions and challenges of achieving low emission autonomous vehicle mobility in cities. The findings suggest that shared autonomous vehicles could alleviate traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emission responsibility needs to be shifted to the public level. Efficient mass transit, electrification of vehicles, and decarbonization of the grid are crucial for reducing transport emissions in Vienna.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gemina Quest, Rosalie Arendt, Christian Klemm, Vanessa Bach, Janik Budde, Peter Vennemann, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: The study assesses the environmental impacts of changes in energy generation and distribution in the German neighborhood of Herne. By integrating the life cycle assessment method into energy system models, the study examines different scenarios and evaluates the environmental benefits of shifting to renewable energy sources.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Brett Fulford, Karen Mezzi, Simon Aumonier, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: This paper provides a review of the carbon footprint and life cycle assessment environmental profile of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). The analysis reveals that DPIs have a lower carbon footprint than pMDIs, but the performance against other environmental impact categories depends on the design, choice of material, and manufacturing process of the DPIs.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Natalia Mikosch, Tina Dettmer, Benjamin Plaga, Marko Gernuks, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: This paper develops an approach for identifying relevant impact categories in the automotive sector and evaluates LCIA methods. The results demonstrate that climate change is the most relevant impact category, followed by resource use, human toxicity, and ecotoxicity.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Robert Miehe, Matthias Finkbeiner, Alexander Sauer, Thomas Bauernhansl
Summary: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is increasingly being used in corporate accounting, but the focus on climate neutrality often leads to the neglect of other important life-cycle impact categories, and LCA is not seen as equal to cost and value-added accounting. This paper presents a novel accounting system that combines elements of traditional operational value-added accounting, process and material flow analysis, and LCA in order to provide a foundation for achieving environmental neutrality.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matteo Micheli, Daniel Moore, Vanessa Bach, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: Decarbonization of the aviation sector is crucial for achieving global climate targets. This study quantified the environmental impacts of Power-to-Liquid kerosene produced from electricity and carbon dioxide, and found that the impacts varied across different production pathways. The results suggest that PtL-kerosene produced with renewable energy could play an important role in decarbonizing the aviation sector.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jonas Bunsen, Vlad Coroama, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: Water consumption exceeds sustainable limits in many regions of the world. Existing input-output analysis faces limitations in accurately assessing water use and its impacts. This study aims to develop a novel approach by integrating a global spatial model of agricultural primary production into an input-output database to better evaluate water consumption and its impacts. The results demonstrate that this approach provides valuable information for detailed analysis that would otherwise be impossible.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
David Bossek, Vanessa Bach, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: Former Life-LCA case studies were resource and time intensive, so this study aims to develop a generic framework called Lifestyle-LCA to make environmental impact assessment of human beings more accessible. The methodology includes developing a conceptual framework, conducting a case study, refining the approach based on the results, and providing practical application guidance. Key factors influencing lifestyle include regionality, income, and life stage. The study provides a framework for determining baseline consumer values and distributing product clusters based on emission profiles.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Justus Poschmann, Vanessa Bach, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: To limit global warming to below 1.5°C, the transportation sector needs to reduce emissions by replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This paper aims to analyze the emissions of the supply chain for BEVs and determine the impact of decarbonization. By considering various materials and evaluating current emission intensities and reduction potentials, it is found that emission intensities can be reduced significantly by 2050 through the use of low-carbon electricity, circular materials, recycling, and technological improvements. However, achieving full decarbonization aligned with the 1.5°C pathway will require the application of carbon removals.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
David Bossek, Caroline Rudolph, Vanessa Bach, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: Life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have traditionally focused on the environmental impacts of human beings from conception to 50 years old. However, this case study extends the analysis to include the old adulthood stage, including retirement and end-of-life phases, thereby filling the assessment gap. The study, using mainly secondary data, applies the Life-LCA method to an average German adult, finding that transport is the main contributor to impacts, followed by energy and water, and food.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Inka Randebrock, Sylvia Marinova, Vanessa Bach, Rosalie Arendt, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: The global increase in population and demand for living space has led to faster consumption of limited resources, particularly sand and gravel, by the construction industry. Although there is consensus on the long-term availability of these resources globally, there may still be local supply shortages. This study uses the ESSENZ method to identify critical aspects of construction materials traded globally and locally, introducing a new indicator for the local availability of materials in the German market. The findings show that while raw materials for concrete production in Germany are expected to be sufficient in the long term, the supply of silica sand for glass production is only guaranteed for a few decades. Concrete poses the highest supply risk due to its high material demand, with steel and concrete dominating the environmental impacts. Overall, the adapted ESSENZ method provides valuable insights for decision-makers aiming to promote sustainable construction practices.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Justus Caspers, Elisabeth Suessbauer, Vlad Constantin Coroama, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: Consumer behavior plays a significant role in the environmental impact of products, especially in takeaway food and beverage packaging. However, the existing life cycle assessment studies do not adequately consider consumer behavior. Further research is necessary to explore the potential influence of consumer behavior on takeaway packaging.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jonas Bunsen, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: Input-output analysis is widely used in sustainability sciences for allocating an economy's externalities based on input-output interdependencies. However, aggregating input-output data leads to information loss and potential misinformed decision-making. This paper provides a hands-on numerical introduction to input-output analysis and discusses the implications of data aggregation. By comparing aggregated and non-aggregated input-output tables, it demonstrates the inaccuracies caused by aggregation and its potential implications for decision-making.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Julia Pelzeter, Vanessa Bach, Martin Henssler, Klaus Ruhland, Matthias Finkbeiner
Summary: The enhanced ESSENZ+ method incorporates mine site certification and recyclate use to assess resource criticality, and is further improved by addressing shortcomings and considering the SCARCE method. A case study on batteries demonstrates that the updated ESSENZ+ method yields significant changes in demand growth and price fluctuations compared to the original ESSENZ method. Sensitivity analyses show that the introduction of mine site certification and recyclate use reduces supply risk to varying extents in different categories. Furthermore, comparing nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries with different NMC ratios reveals a decreasing supply risk per kWh due to technological advancements and lower material requirements.