A scalable and spatiotemporally resolved agricultural life cycle assessment of California almonds

Abstract Purpose California’s Central Valley produces more than 75% of global commercial almond supply, making the life cycle performance production in California interest. This article describes assessment using a Scalable, Process-based, Agronomically Responsive Cropping System Life Cycle Assessment (SPARCS-LCA) model that includes crop responses to orchard management and modeling water supply biomass energy infrastructure. Methods A spatially temporally resolved LCA was developed reflect regional climate, resource, agronomic conditions across by hydrologic subregion (San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Tulare Lake regions). The couples framework with region-specific data, including infrastructure economics, productivity response models, dynamic co-product markets, characterize environmental almonds. Previous LCAs found irrigation co-products were most influential determining CO 2 eq emissions intensity production, both have experienced extensive changes since previous studies due drought changing regulatory conditions, them focus sensitivity scenario analysis. Results discussion economic allocation show 1 kg hulled, brown-skin kernel at post-harvest facility gate causes 1.92 (GWP 100 ), 50.9 MJ use, 4820 L freshwater ranges 2.0–2.69 eq, 42.7–59.4 MJ, 4540–5150 L, respectively. With substitution approach for allocation, results 1.23 18.05 4804 0.51–1.95 3.68–36.5 4521–5140 Almond use is comparable other nut crops globally. showed significant variability subregions. While San performed best impact categories, region produced lowest eutrophication impacts. Conclusion increased over estimates, so too did credits system displacement dairy feed. These result from comprehensive scope improved assumptions, as well drought-related increases groundwater depth associated demand, decreased utilization residues recovery closure bioenergy plants California. variation among different categories between subregions time highlight need agricultural LCA.