Life cycle inventory of forest seedling production — from seed to regeneration site

The objectives of this study were to produce detailed life cycle inventory (LCI) data for forest seedling production and to analyse differences between production units. The study was part of a larger project designed to obtain LCI-data for wood production in Sweden, from seed to delivery of logs at industrial sites. Data were collected regarding the amount of energy and commodities used, and the emissions released to the atmosphere as a consequence of the seedling production were calculated. Four modern, medium-sized nurseries, typifying container seedling facilities in Sweden, were evaluated in the study. Site-specific data regarding energy and commodities were used in the calculations, together with figures collated in relevant databases and literature. The results showed that the use of energy, and the emissions generated, were larger per seedling in southern Sweden than in the north of the country, since the seedlings were larger in southern Sweden. The fossil fuels used for heating the greenhouses and for seedling transportation were the major sources of emissions.