Life cycle analysis of environmental benefits through demonstration of the soil testing and formula fertilization project
—A case study in maize production in Liaocheng City,  Shandong Province

The profit analysis over the whole process from fertilizer manufacture to field use (a life cycle) can provide more comprehensive environmental profile of the Soil Testing Formulated Fertilization Project, including its direct and indirect benefits. In this paper, a life cycle analysis in energy consumption, farmland occupation and the emission of greenhouse gases was carried out taking maize production as a case in Liaocheng City, and the environmental benefits through the demonstration of the Soil Testing and Formulated Fertilization Project were assessed comprehensively. The results reveal that the resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during maize production are significantly reduced in the project demonstration area from 2006 to 2009. The life cycle eutrophication and acidification effect in the reduction potential per ton of maize under the Soil Testing Formulated Fertilization account for 20%-34% and 5%-15% of the relevant environmental impact potentials per capita in the world in 2000 respectively. The total environmental benefits show a decline trend for the gap of fertilizer intensity between the conventional fertilization and the Soil Testing and Formulated Fertilization. Farmers fertilization behavior tends to be rational, and the Soil Testing and formulated fertilization shows its demonstration and extension role.