Regeneration costs of topsoil fertility: An exergy indicator of agricultural impacts

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122297
• Publication Date: 2024-08-31T07:47:15Z
• Authors: Barbara Palacino; Sonia Ascaso; Antonio Valero; Alicia Valero
• Keywords: Topsoil

In recent years, heightened environmental concerns linked to agriculture have surged, with soil degradation standing out as a global issue. However, prevailing sustainability assessment methodologies in often overlook systems due their intricate nature. This study aims develop methodology for evaluating agricultural practices using exergy regeneration costs. These costs determine the required restore fertility pre-harvest levels. The covers key factors like nutrients, organic matter, and prevalent issues salinity, acidification, erosion. For each of these factors, are determined based on energy needed execute an optimal process reverting its original or ideal state. has been applied data from trials, showing that calculated replacement cost is significantly higher compared one most energy-demanding processes agriculture, use urea. demonstrates needs be quantified correct evaluation sustainability.