Energy use in apple production in the Esfahan province of Iran

Abstract

Energy is a fundamental ingredient in the process of economic development, as it provides essential services that maintain economic activity and the quality of human life. Modern agriculture has become very energy-intensive. The aim of this study was to evaluate energy use in apple production in the Esfahan Province in Iran. Data used in this study were obtained from 146 farmers using a face to face interview method. The total energy requirement under apple farming was 36,135.16 MJ ha^-1, whereas 46.2, 25 and 15.8% was consumed due to chemicals, fuel and manure fertiliser, respectively. Renewable energy was 23.6% of total energy input. The input-output ratio, productivities, specific and net energy gain were 1.17, 0.49 kg MJ^-1, 2.05 MJ kg^-1 and 6,143.2 MJ ha^-1, respectively. Apple production needs to improve the efficiency of energy consumption and to employ renewable energy.

Key Words: Energy intensive, energy ratio, renewable energy