The Argentine Wheat Association (Argentrigo) presented this Monday a report prepared within the framework of an agreement with the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (Inta) and with the National Institute of Industrial Technology (Inti) through which the carbon footprint of wheat production in Argentina.
Specifically, four products of the chain were analyzed:
One ton of grain to field. The investigation determined that it generates 146.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per ton (kg CO2 eq / t). Taking into account different technological levels analyzed, the high level emits 145.5 kg CO2 eq / t; the medium, 144.6 kg CO2 eq / t; and the low, 169.1 kg CO2 eq / t.
One ton put in the port for exploitation. 38 kg CO2 eq / t are added to the footprint of wheat in batch gate for transportation to reach the export port, resulting in a total of 184.4 kg CO2 eq / t of wheat in the port.
One kilogram of flour. In industry, the results indicate a Carbon Footprint of 343 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilo of flour in the customer of the flour mill.
A kilo of dry semolina pasta. In the client of the fideero mill, it turned out to be 541 g CO2 eq / kg of pasta.
Guidelines
For Argentrigo, “one of the most interesting results of this work was that nitrogen fertilization is the most important point on which to act to reduce the carbon footprint in the field”
The technicians point out that the best alternative to not lose fertility is to increase the rotation with legumes that fix carbon in the soils.
“The second most important point for reducing the carbon footprint is the consumption of diesel in agricultural production processes. To do this, the choice of the tillage system, as well as the appropriate tractor and its maintenance, is key ”, adds the report.
And in the long term, it surprises with an unprecedented proposal: to use perennial wheat crops, so as not to have to sow every year, which logically implies less emissions.
According to Argentrigo, anyway one of the most important issues is that the chain’s carbon dioxide emission levels are below international values.
“This, accompanied by national policies, would allow us to achieve a better positioning of our exports compared to our competitors, and the opening to new markets,” said the entity.
CARBON FOOTPRINT OF THE ARGENTINE WHEAT CHAIN
Thank you very much to everyone who participated!#carbononeutro #wheat #carbonsequestration #carbon footprint pic.twitter.com/eOa4c4zl4Q
– ArgenTrigo (@ArgenTrigo) March 22, 2021
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