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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (15): 7-14.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2026-0227

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Carbon Footprint Accounting and Assessment of Wheat and Maize Cropping Systems Based on Empirical Analysis of Juye County in Shandong Province

NIU Yujun()   

  1. Juye County Agricultural and Rural Affairs Bureau, Heze, Shandong 274900
  • Received:2026-03-24 Revised:2026-07-07 Online:2026-08-15 Published:2026-08-13

Abstract:

The study aimed to conduct a quantitative analysis using basic production data of wheat and corn from Juye County, Shandong Province, so as to provide data support and theoretical foundations for developing low-carbon, green agriculture and achieving agricultural carbon neutrality. Employing the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, the research focused on the wheat and corn cropping systems in Juye County in 2023. By systematically collecting fundamental data, including sown area, yield levels, fertilizer application rates, pesticide usage, diesel consumption, and irrigation electricity use, the study quantitatively calculated and evaluated the carbon footprint throughout the grain production process. The results showed that in 2023, the carbon footprints of wheat and corn production in Juye County were 123600 tons and 76800 tons, respectively. The carbon footprint per unit sown area and per unit yield for wheat was 2.27 t/hm2 and 0.35 t/t, and that for corn was 1.70 t/hm2 and 0.24 t/t. The carbon footprint per unit output value and per unit profit for wheat was 1.26 and 2.28 t/10000 yuan, respectively, compared to 0.77 and 1.11 t/10000 yuan for corn. Both the total carbon footprint and unit carbon footprint of wheat production were higher than those of corn. Fertilizers, field operations, irrigation electricity, and diesel consumption from agricultural machinery were the main sources of carbon emissions in the wheat and corn production systems, accounting for 34.91%, 26.14%, 19.32%, and 15.43% of annual total emissions, respectively. In both wheat and corn production, fertilizers and machinery contributed more significantly to carbon emissions and production costs than seeds and pesticides. Therefore, optimizing fertilizer application, promoting water-saving irrigation, and advancing efficient mechanized farming are sustainable strategies that can achieve a win-win outcome for both economic and ecological benefits.

Key words: wheat and maize production system, carbon footprint, LCA, carbon emission

CLC Number: