Browsing by Author "Passarinho, J. A."
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- Microeconomic and environmental sustainability of Portuguese greenhouse horticulture: a critical assessmentPublication . Costa, J. M.; Reis, Mário; Passarinho, J. A.; Ferreira, M. E.; Almeida, D. P. F.Estimated total greenhouse production area in Portugal is 3,000 ha. The potential for expansion of the sector exists, but it must minimize undesirable environmental impacts, while taking advantage of related economic benefits. In 2013, greenhouse production represented only 6% of the total commercial vegetable production area but it accounted for about 16% of total production. Moreover, total production value per greenhouse farm is about 91,200 euro, almost twice that of open-air production. However, the sector misses a detailed quantitative analysis of sustainability, considering its environmental impact, resource use efficiency and economic performance. In this study we provide a preliminary comprehensive analysis of the major inputs and outputs of greenhouse horticulture, focusing on the tomato crop. A simplified life cycle analysis was implemented. Irrigation water needs by the tomato crop vary between 20 and 39 L kg-1 (fresh weight), whereas the estimated output in terms of plastic film residues (covering films), is about 2,060 t per year. In addition, an amount of 56,000 to 70,000 t is calculated for organic residues. The quantity and quality of the produced effluents remain uncharacterized, but drainage (20 to 40% of irrigation in soilless systems) will be the main contributor. Stricter EU legislation and more demanding consumers impose a more efficient greenhouse management to minimize pollution risks. Greenhouse cultivation in Portugal is productive and profitable and it has room for expansion, but input use efficiencies need improvement to reduce its environmental impact and increase sustainability of this sector.
- Overview of greenhouse horticulture in Portugal: technology and environmentPublication . Costa, J. M.; Reis, Mário; Palha, M. G.; Passarinho, J. A.; Carvalho, S. M. P.; Almeida, D.; Nunes, L.; Ferreira, M. E.Total greenhouse production area in Portugal is about 3,000 ha with a tendency for expansion, and tomato is the most important greenhouse crop. Protected cultivation in Portugal modernized in recent decades but remains heterogeneous in terms of technology, yields and management. The sector organizational structure and technological trajectory is characterized by increased greenhouse area per grower and higher volume/covered area ratio, and soilless cultivation has expanded. Therefore, less expensive alternatives may arise as the common solution for the sector. Most of the greenhouse area (about 75%) corresponds to single and multiple plastic tunnels with semi automatic or automatic climate control. The use of glasshouses with fully controlled environment remains minor, due to the high costs of equipment, energy consumption, and limited expertise and technical support for local conditions. Greenhouse horticulture has an undesirable environmental impact which must be properly monitored and minimized, while guaranteeing its socio-economic benefits. In addition, there is more strict environmental EU legislation and stakeholders are more informed which puts pressure on the greenhouse industry in order to use more efficiently resources and minimize its environmental impact. However, the Portuguese sector still lacks relevant quantitative information and standards on performance indicators, e.g. resource use efficiency (e.g. water, energy) and related economic/environmental performance. A SWOT analysis is presented for the most important greenhouse production areas in Portugal and guidelines are suggested for more competitive and environmental sustainable greenhouse production.