Environmental sustainability of cardoon production: a systematic literature review of life cycle assessments

This systematic literature review covers the main environmental aspects related to the production of cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis DC) through a life cycle assessment perspective. Three databases, namely Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science were systematically searched using “cardoon” and “life cycle assessment” keywords, and 9 papers were finally included in the qualitative synthesis. Given the findings from the papers reviewed, the authors could document that the cultivation phase highly affects the environmental performances of the cardoon bio-energy chains, which however were more sustainable than conventional ones (from non-renewable sources). Moreover, several mitigation and improvements solution including the reduction of fertiliser use, the avoidance of irrigation when possible, the shift toward the organic regime, and the full exploitation of the crop biomass for multiple purposes were proposed. Finally, although specific, the review may be of interest to researchers, LCA practitioners, farmers and producers, policy- and decision-makers, and other stakeholders, and could support the promotion of environmental sustainability in the Mediterranean agricultural sector.