Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to capture indirect effects of crop diversification – how to consider the multiple functions of diversified cropping systems?

Author: Florence Van Stappen

Problem: It is unclear whether multifunctional diversified cropping systems are more sustainable than the reference systems that they replace. Comparisons need to define a common basis to take into account the multiple functions of the systems being compared.

Solution: Expanding system boundaries to define a common functional unit reflecting energy supply to the end user using substitutional LCA ensures comparable results and highlights trade-offs between environmental impacts.

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