Energy Analysis and Emissions of Greenhouse Gases of Pomegranate Production in Antalya Province of Turkey

Abstract

In this study, energy use patterns and the functional relationship between energy inputs and output for pomegranate production were investigated in Antalya province in Turkey. It further objective to identify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in pomegranate production. Data were obtained from 75 farms using face-to-face interview method. The results indicated that 50,605.5 MJ ⋅ ha−1 of total energy input was required for 76,252.3 MG ⋅ ha−1 pomegranate energy output. 1.51 unit energy output was provided by using 1 unit energy input. 1 unit energy output and 1 kg pomegranate require 0.66 unit and 2.57 MJ energy input, respectively. The average CO2 emission amounts were also calculated to be 1.73 t CO2 per hectare and 88.1 kg CO2 per 1000 kg pomegranate production. Electricity, fertilizers and pesticides were the highest contributors to GHG emissions. Both total energy input usage and GHG emission amounts have been found to be decreasing as the farm size increases. Increasing scale of pomegranates orchards will not only increase energy efficiency and productivity but also decrease environmental pollution and damages. The regression analysis revealed that, excessive use of machinery and fuel inputs results in a decline in energy production in pomegranate.