Greenhouse Cultivation in the Mediterranean Region: Economic Growth, Social Benefits, and Environmental Impacts

A new research study has shed light on the economic and social benefits of greenhouse cultivation in the Mediterranean region, while also highlighting its undesirable environmental impacts. The study, conducted by researchers from the Technical University of Cartagena, used a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental footprint of greenhouse tomato crops in hydroponic systems (HS) and conventional sanded soil 'enarenado' (CS) with free-drainage to soil. The results showed that the HS system with leachate treatment technology reduced eutrophication by 72% compared to the CS system, but increased depletion of fossil fuels by 43%, global warming by 37%, and acidification by 32%.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that greenhouse cultivation in the Mediterranean region has enhanced economic growth and generated social benefits by making efficient use of resources.
• However, these production systems have caused undesirable environmental impacts, including eutrophication, depletion of fossil fuels, global warming, and acidification.
• The use of desalinated seawater can help reduce the overexploitation of aquifers, but may also increase the carbon footprint if the desalination process is not done with clean energy.
• The HS system with leachate treatment technology showed a significant reduction in eutrophication, but increased depletion of fossil fuels, global warming, and acidification impacts.
• The sensitivity analysis revealed that a significant reduction in the environmental impact is feasible by increasing the use of renewable energy for desalinated water production.
• The study highlighted the need to curb over-fertilisation malpractices and optimize the use of resources in greenhouse cultivation.

Statistics:

• 72% reduction in eutrophication by using the HS system with leachate treatment technology compared to the CS system.
• 43% increase in depletion of fossil fuels by using the HS system compared to the CS system.
• 37% increase in global warming impacts by using the HS system compared to the CS system.
• 32% increase in acidification impacts by using the HS system compared to the CS system.
• 27% mitigation of global warming footprint by substituting desalinated seawater with brackish groundwater.

Sources:

• Recycling drainage effluents using reverse osmosis powered by photovoltaic solar energy in hydroponic tomato production: Environmental footprint analysis. Journal of Environmental Management, 2021;297:113326.
• Journal of Environmental Management can be contacted at: Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 24-28 Oval Rd, London NW1 7DX, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Journal of Environmental Management - www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-environmental-management/)
• Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 48, 30203, Cartagena, Spain.