EVALUATING ENERGY-SAVING PRACTICES BY SIMULATION

A simulation model was used to evaluate the effects on energy consumption and yield of several practices aimed at reducing non-renewable energy inputs in corn production. The model describes corn growth and maturation, natural field dry-down, harvesting, and artificial drying, and takes into account actual day-to-day weather conditions, using 17 years of past weather data. The following strategies are evaluated: earlier planting; use of short season varieties; and harvesting at a moisture content selected to minimize drying fuel requirements without incurring excessive field losses. A corn price decrease of 40% has the same effect as a doubling of drying fuel price in determining the optimal trade-off between field losses and drying costs.