Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Environmental Aspects Of Organic Farming
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58298
The LCA study consists of four basic stages: Definition of objectives and the scope, Inventory,
Impact assessment and Interpretation [27]. According to [29], in the first step when imple‐
menting the LCA methodology (goal setting), the reason for carrying out the method is
specified. Life cycle inventory consists in simulating of a product system. Based on the
knowledge of the life cycle of the product under consideration and on the basis of previously
set system boundaries, there are first all involved processes and their inputs and outputs
identified. Connecting processes with adequate energy and material flows into a functional
complex, we obtain a product system diagram [26]. In essence, it is a qualitative and quanti‐
tative inventory of all inputs and outputs connecting the monitored system with the environ‐
ment or the collection of the necessary primary data and an assessment of their quality, i.e.
authenticity, reproducibility, transparency and confidentiality [29].
The aim of the life cycle impact assessment is to measurably compare the environmental
impacts of product systems and to compare their severity with new quantifiable variables
identified as impact category [27]. It is basically a qualitative and quantitative assessment of
all negative effects that may be caused in the environment by influences collectively specified
in the inventory matrix [46]. In the interpretation phase, outputs of LCA analysis are described.
During the inventory phase and the phase of impact assessment, there were made some certain
estimates, assumptions and judgements how to continue with the study. There have been some
simplifications and approximations adopted. All of these elements must be included in the
interpretation phase and must always be set next to the result presentation [27].
For the correct execution of the LCA analysis, it is important to determine the boundaries
within which the particular life cycle processes will be monitored. Determination of system
boundaries is always a very important step, especially in the area of food production and
agriculture, where the clearly identifiable technological processes and systems meet the
natural processes and procedures influenced by a number of factors [2, 3].
Each product system consists of a variable number of processes involved in the product life
cycle. However, the product under consideration is often related to other processes that may
no longer be important for the LCA study. The system boundary serves to the separation of
essential and non-essential processes of the product life cycle. Since the choice of system
boundaries significantly affects LCA study outcomes and in addition, its intensity and
complexity, system boundaries should always be well considered and clearly defined. The
choice of system boundaries is carried out with regard to the studied processes, studied
environmental impacts and selected complexity of the study.
Not-including any life cycle stages, processes or data must be logically reasoned and clearly
explained [26].
When comparing conventional and organic farming systems, we can also omit the calculation
of load from buildings and infrastructure because there are only small differences between
farming systems while slightly more noticeable difference is apparent within animal produc‐
tion [40]. The reduction of processes under consideration can be made also on the basis of their
presumed significance. The assessment can skip those processes, whose overall impact consists
totally of only a negligible share, for example of only several percent. These processes can be
