Effects of soil tillage on energy use in potato farming in Central Anatolia of Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Energy efficiencies of different soil tillage systems were compared in this study and the most appropriate soil tillage system was identified for Marfona and Hermes potato cultivars under Central Anatolian conditions. Soil tillage systems were as follows: (T1) Chisel in autumn + Disk harrow in spring, (T2) Moldboard plow in autumn + Disk harrow in spring, (T3) Chisel + Disk harrow in spring, (T4) Moldboard plow + Disk harrow in spring, (T5) Rototiller in spring. Cultivars and soil tillage systems had significant effects on energy parameters. The greatest energy use efficiency (Marfona: 2.29; Hermes: 1.77), energy productivity (Marfona: 0.64 kg/MJ; Hermes: 0.49 kg/MJ), and energy profitability (Marfona: 1.29; Hermes: 0.77) were observed in T3treatment and the lowest values were seen in T5 treatment of both cultivars. Indirect, non-renewable and commercial energy inputs were remarkably higher than the direct, renewable and non-commercial energy inputs. It was concluded based on current findings that chisel soil tillage in spring was the most appropriate system and the system was quite practicable for preservation of energy sources and environment in potato farming of Central Anatolia of Turkey.