Abstract:

Based on data from the statistical yearbook concerning crop production inputs, planting areas and yields of major cultivated crops in Gansu province from 2000 to 2023, six agricultural indicators were selected, including inputs of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, plastic film, diesel, irrigation and cultivated area. The carbon footprint of crop production inputs was calculated using the carbon emission coefficient method of the IPCC and life cycle assessment. This analysis of changes in the carbon footprint of crop production provided a theoretical basis for achieving low carbon emission reductions and stable increase in crop yields in agricultural production within Gansu province. The results indicated that from 2000 to 2023, the input of various agricultural resources in Gansu generally exhibited a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. The carbon footprint of agricultural inputs (CF) and the carbon footprint per unit of planted crop area (CF_A) showed similar trends, both initially increasing and then decreasing, with peak values occurring in 2015. The lowest values for both indicators in 2023 decreased by 19.1% and 26.6%, respectively, compared to that of 2015. The peak value of carbon footprint per unit yield (CF_Y) was recorded in 2011, with the CF_Y value in 2023 showing a decrease of 44.2% compared to that of 2011. The carbon footprint per unit output value (CF_E) continued to decline, with a reduction of 79.2% in 2023 compared to that of 2000. Among the different sources of carbon footprint in Gansu, fertilizer and plastic film inputs had the highest carbon footprints, next by irrigation, diesel and pesticides, while tillage practices contributed the least. The carbon footprint from fertilizer and plastic film accounted for 29.9%−43.2% and 25.0%−40.2% of the total carbon footprint, respectively. The carbon footprint from tillage practices accounted for 0.4%−0.9% of the total carbon footprint. This study found that the carbon footprint of crop production was significantly influenced by policies in Gansu. The reduction of agricultural input products, particularly the decrease and efficiency enhancement of chemical fertilizers, was identified as the primary driving factor behind the reduction of the agricultural carbon footprint in Gansu province. In future agricultural production, Gansu province should further strengthen policy guidance and promote efficient water−saving and drought−resistant technologies to improve measures for reducing the use of plastic film. This approach will ensure the green, sustainable and high−quality development of crop production.

Key words: Carbon footprint, Method of carbon emission coefficient, Agriculture production input, Statistical yearbook, Crop production