LCA & LCCA of a PCM application to control root zone temperatures of hydroponic crops in comparison with conventional root zone heating systems

The present study analyzes the environmental and economic performance of the use of PCM as a root zone temperature control system in substitution of conventional gas, oil and biomass heating systems by using life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle accounting (LCCA) methodologies. This study is focused on the possible application of these systems in a multitunel greenhouse situated in southern Spain. For the study was assumed a crop productivity increase of 20% when root zone temperature control systems are applied. Results showed that gas, oil and biomass conventional heating systems reduce farmer's net benefit and increase the environmental impact of each kg of produced tomato despite the assumed increase of productivity. Significant environmental and economic benefits are obtained for PCM in relation with the use of gas and oil root zone heating systems. In relation with biomass, heating system economical advantage is obtained but environmental results are similar. When analyzing PCM scenario in comparison with conventional production without heating systems, no significant positive results were obtained. To reduce tomato production CO2 emissions and costs, yield production should increase 8.5% and 18% respectively. (c) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.