Quantification of GHG Emissions Using Different Methodologies in Tropical Conventional Cashew Cultivation

Quantifying GHG emissions from cashew cultivation, especially in Brazil, is essential to assess the environmental impact and promote the sustainable development of this activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare methods for quantifying GHG emissions based on empirical equations for life cycle inventories, using the conventional cashew production system in Brazil as a case study. The scope of the study encompasses, from gate to gate in a dwarf cashew production system, considering the production of one ton of cashew as a functional unit. GHG emissions were assessed and compared using the following methodologies: Nemecek-Calc, WFLDB, IPCC-Calc, BR-Calc, and Agri-footprint. The environmental assessment followed ISO standards (14040, 14044, and 14067). The results showed that the carbon footprint varied among the evaluated methodologies, with a difference of 24.5% between the highest value (129.5 kg CO2 eq-IPCC-Calc and BR-Calc) and the lowest (104 kg CO2 eq-Nemecek-Calc) per ton of cashew. N2O was the main contributor to emissions, accounting for up to 75.9%, while CO2 represented up to 25.8%. Based on the analysis criteria, WFLDB, IPCC-Calc, and BR-Calc are the most recommended methodologies, balancing clarity, scientific robustness, and regional adaptation. The choice of methodology is fundamental, as it directly influences the results and interpretation of the carbon footprint in cashew farming, impacting the sustainability of this agricultural activity.