Carbon emissions peak of China’s apple cultivation achieved in 2014: a comprehensive analysis and implications

Carbon sequestration and emission reduction in apple cultivation are of great significance for achieving sustainable agricultural development and combating climate change. However, the status of carbon emissions from apple cultivation is unclear, and this study will provide implications for the agriculture sector. This study applied the life cycle assessment method to quantify carbon emissions and analysed the footprint composition of apple orchards in China, and identified the emissions peak based on the Mann-Kendall analysis. The results showed that the carbon emissions of apple cultivation reached the carbon peak in 2014. The carbon emissions per unit area (CEA) and per unit yield (CEY) were 5.79 t CO₂eq ha^-1 and 0.23 kg CO₂eq kg^-1 in 2021, respectively. Carbon emissions from fertilizers (54.4%) and irrigation electricity (30.9%) were identified as the dominant components in apple orchards. Specifically, Henan and Shandong exhibited higher growing advantages, characterized by higher carbon economic efficiency and lower CEY. The carbon emissions of the ideal scenario will be decreased 69.6% through optimizing fertilizers and energy restructuring. In conclusion, promoting low-carbon development in apple orchards can be achieved through targeted in-field mitigation measures, such as optimizing the amount and types of fertilizers, and adopting new energy for agricultural machinery.