Environmental and Energy Analysis of Two Orchard Systems: A Case Study in Mediterranean Environment

This paper aimed to analyse and compare the environmental energy sustainability of two orchards (peach versus kiwifruit) located in Southern Italy using Life Cycle Thinking. To this end, anthropogenic energy, CO2 emissions, biogenic carbon gains were also considered through Assessment methodology Energy Analysis. The C–CO2 balance was calculated as difference between total stored soil trees, at end their life cycles, Carbon Footprint (CF). results showed that production 1 kg peaches caused minor impacts, especially with reference CF (0.124 eq against 0.145 for kiwifruit), while it required 1.56 MJ 1.32 kiwifruit. In both main sources direct emissions came from fuel combustion, nitrous oxide release by crop residue decomposition, nitrogenous fertilizer distribution. Nevertheless, had sustainable results. Despite management releasing consuming they a significant capacity store proving be virtuous systems. research can give useful indications farmers, farmer associations, technicians, stakeholders improve orchard efficiency. net approach seems an adequate strategy, allowing best estimation impacts guiding decisions towards more alternatives.