An Analysis of Energy input-output and Emissions of Greenhouse Gases from Agricultural Productions

The aim of this study was to examine the energy use patterns and energy input–output analysis of some field crops and vegetables in the Esfahan province of Iran. The data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire method. The results indicated that total energy input for wheat, corn silage, cucumber and tomato production was to 69373, 109659, 152553 and 147108 MJha–1, respectively. Among all inputs involved, fertilizer and machinery had the highest energy values per 1 hectare for field crops; furthermore, diesel fuel had the highest share of total energy consumption for vegetable productions. The value of energy ratio for cultivating wheat, corn silage, cucumber and tomato crops were calculated at 0.74, 2.55, 0.46 and 0.73, respectively. The results of CO2 emission analyzes showed that the total amount of CO2 emission for wheat, corn silage, cucumber and tomato production was 2.07, 4.35, 4.99 and 4.66 tones ha-1, respectively. In the research area, greenhouse operators are still increasing the amount of inputs used in vegetable production. However, the timing of any applications and use of the inputs are not significant issues for the Iranian greenhouse producer. This inevitably leads to problems associated with energy use such as global warming, nutrient loading and pesticide pollution, as indicated above. Therefore, there is a need to develop a new policy to force producers to use all inputs on time and enough undertake more energy–efficient practices.