Quantification of GHG Emissions Using Different Methodologies in Tropical Conventional Cashew Cultivation

Jonnathan Richeds da Silva Sales, Viviane da Silva Barros, Claudivan Feitosa de Lacerda, Maria Cléa Brito de Figueirêdo, Antonio Fabio da Silva Lima and Adriana Correa-Guimaraes ()
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Jonnathan Richeds da Silva Sales: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
Viviane da Silva Barros: Embrapa Environment, Jaguariúna 13918-110, Brazil
Claudivan Feitosa de Lacerda: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
Maria Cléa Brito de Figueirêdo: Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry, Fortaleza 60511-110, Brazil
Antonio Fabio da Silva Lima: Department of Plant Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
Adriana Correa-Guimaraes: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-17

Abstract: Quantifying GHG emissions from cashew cultivation, especially in Brazil, is essential to assess the environmental impact and promote the sustainable development of this activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare methods for quantifying GHG emissions based on empirical equations for life cycle inventories, using the conventional cashew production system in Brazil as a case study. The scope of the study encompasses, from gate to gate in a dwarf cashew production system, considering the production of one ton of cashew as a functional unit. GHG emissions were assessed and compared using the following methodologies: Nemecek-Calc, WFLDB, IPCC-Calc, BR-Calc, and Agri-footprint. The environmental assessment followed ISO standards (14040, 14044, and 14067). The results showed that the carbon footprint varied among the evaluated methodologies, with a difference of 24.5% between the highest value (129.5 kg CO 2 eq-IPCC-Calc and BR-Calc) and the lowest (104 kg CO 2 eq-Nemecek-Calc) per ton of cashew. N 2 O was the main contributor to emissions, accounting for up to 75.9%, while CO 2 represented up to 25.8%. Based on the analysis criteria, WFLDB, IPCC-Calc, and BR-Calc are the most recommended methodologies, balancing clarity, scientific robustness, and regional adaptation. The choice of methodology is fundamental, as it directly influences the results and interpretation of the carbon footprint in cashew farming, impacting the sustainability of this agricultural activity.

Keywords: Anacardium occidentale L.; carbon footprint; life cycle assessment; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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