Construction of Agri-Environmental Data Using Computational Methods

Abstract

Increased public focus on agri-environmental issues and recent policies on agricultural sustainability have necessitated the construction of a life cycle inventory (LCI) database for agricultural production systems. However, the current progress of LCI database construction is far from being complete in both developed and developing countries. In this chapter, an integrated view for a data-construction methodology for agri-environmental assessment is proposed. The applications of computational methods to the construction processes are also proposed, with a special focus on Japanese case studies. After discussing the methods for construction, the implications of LCI construction are presented, which includes the following issues: how to make a transition to sustainability, and how to achieve informed and science-based policy decisions by increasing the applicability of life cycle assessment and the level of preparedness. The Japanese case studies should support assessment and decisions in developed and developing countries.