Study of the carbon sequestration potential of fresh fruit cultivation in the Segrià region

Abstract

Small fresh fruit producers in the Segrià region (Lleida Province) are facing economic difficulties due to low selling prices, increased production costs, and adverse climatic conditions. When plantations are removed, in the absence of viable alternatives, burning the residues is a common practice, which results in significant environmental impacts. This study proposes a methodology to valorize these organic residues by transforming them into biofuel to generate thermal energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to the decarbonization of the agricultural sector. Furthermore, this alternative could become an economic supplement for producers. The amount of biomass for transformation available annually in the region has been estimated to have a productive potential of 814 TJ/year, equivalent to more than 27 million liters of diesel oil. The thermal energy demand of pig and poultry fattening farms has also been calculated, demonstrating that pruning residues can fully meet this demand. Additionally, the availability calendar of pruning residues coincides with the months of energy demand from the farms, and no territorial dispersion issues arise. Regarding soil organic carbon, the Roth C model has been used to infer stocks in four scenarios for the year 2040, with management practices that could generate up to 2,264 €/ha and 1,864 €/ha after twenty years for stone-fruit and seed-fruit crops, respectively, in carbon credits. An economic evaluation of the costs of different potential management practices has been carried out, with results confirming the economic viability of environmentally beneficial management practices across different types of farms. These practices can drive the circular economy in the region, revalorize by-products in a short cycle, and contribute to carbon sequestration.