Summary
This 30-year spatiotemporal assessment (1991–2020) quantifies greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption across China's winter wheat production systems, with particular focus on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. The analysis demonstrates that synergistic reductions in both carbon (up to 20%) and water footprints can be achieved through precision fertilisation combined with energy-efficient irrigation, without compromising yield. The findings provide a practical mitigation pathway for enhancing food security and environmental sustainability in resource-constrained cereal systems.
UK applicability
Whilst this study is geographically specific to China's wheat systems and climatic conditions, the general principles of precision fertilisation and irrigation efficiency optimisation are transferable to UK winter wheat production. UK operators may benefit from the methodological framework for footprint assessment, though baseline emissions, regional variation, and optimal input levels would require country-specific parameterisation.
Key measures
Carbon footprint (t CO₂ eq yr⁻¹), water footprint (m³ yr⁻¹), product-level footprints, regional emissions and consumption rates, mitigation scenario impacts on emissions and water use
Outcomes reported
The study quantified baseline carbon emissions (66.6 Mt CO₂ eq yr⁻¹) and water consumption (112 km³ yr⁻¹) across China's winter wheat production systems over 30 years, and evaluated mitigation strategies through scenario-based analysis of fertiliser practices, renewable energy adoption, and irrigation efficiency.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.