ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND GREENHOUSE GAS PRODUCTION IN WILD BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION

The amount of energy and greenhouse gas emissions involved in the production of wild blueberries was examined from 2005 to 2008. Typical production practices including mowing, agrochemical applications and use of a double headed harvester resulted in energy and greenhouse gas emissions of 1,398 MJ and 80.7 kg CO₂ per 1,000 kg of berries produced.
Inclusion of energy intensive management practices including the use of oil-fired burners and diesel powered supplementary irrigation systems increased total energy consumption and fossil fuel production to values of 7,200 MJ and 239.7 kg CO₂ per 1,000 kg of berries produced.
Agrochemical manufacturing, transportation and application accounted for 73.7% of the energy required for the “typical” production system.
Therefore, results from this study illustrate the variability in energy use and carbon production that can occur in wild blueberry production and the ongoing need to diligent with the development of environmentally sustainable management technologies.

X International Symposium on Vaccinium and Other Superfruits

D. Percival, G. Dias

Vaccinium angustifolium Ait., carbon dioxide and energy footprint, production efficiency and sustainability

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2014.1017.18