Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Footprint in Horticulture

Industrial energy use and production activities remain among the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, thereby accelerating ongoing climate change. These emissions are not confined to the industrial sector but also exert considerable influence on agricultural production systems, natural resource use, and ecosystem stability. As a result, the carbon footprint concept has gained prominence as a practical framework for evaluating and comparing the environmental impacts of different production systems. This review examines industrial greenhouse gas emissions from a carbon footprint perspective and discusses their implications for horticultural production based on recent scientific literature. The key factors determining the carbon footprint in plant production are evaluated within the framework of energy consumption, input intensity, and the characteristics of production systems. The reviewed evidence suggests that production systems characterized by intensive input use generally exhibit higher carbon footprints. In contrast, perennial-based systems such as orchards and vineyards tend to display more favorable carbon balances, largely due to long-term biomass accumulation and soil carbon sequestration. Practices including the use of renewable energy sources, precision irrigation, balanced fertilization, and integrated production approaches emerge as effective options for reducing the carbon footprint of horticultural systems. Overall, the findings indicate that incorporating carbon footprint assessments into horticultural production planning is essential for supporting sustainable agriculture and ensuring the long-term environmental and economic viability of production systems.