Method to assess water footprint, a case study for white radishes in Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the water footprint of white radishes which is cultivated during four seasons. The methodology is developed in accordance with ISO 14040s and ISO 14046. This study suggested the water depletion and eutrophication results of white radishes as water footprint results. The water depletion results are 25.58 m3 freshwater/ton (spring season white radish), 20.74 m3 freshwater/ton (autumn season white radish), 26.68 m3 freshwater/ton (alpine region white radish), and 28.56 m3 freshwater/ton (facility white radish), respectively. And the eutrophication results are 3.23E-11 kg P/ton (spring season white radish), 2.66E-11 kg P/ton (autumn season white radish), 3.94E-11 kg P/ton (alpine region white radish), and 1.56E-11 kg P/ton (facility white radish), respectively. In conclusion, autumn season white radish is more competitive than other cultivation types in the context of water footprint assessment. As a result, switching from other cultivation types to autumn season white radish is expected to offer a more water-efficient means of white radish cultivation. Henceforth, drawing upon evidence within this report, decision-makers would be wise to cultivate in more effective water use cultivation type and crop species.

Keywords

• Water footprint
• Water depletion
• Water degradation
• Water quality
• Hydrological impact
• White radishes