Energy Analysis of Sugar Beet Production Under Traditional and Intensive Farming Systems and Impacts on Sustainable Agriculture in Morocco

Abstract

ABSTRACT The intensification of agriculture associated with the transition from subsistence based farming to cash cropping was evaluated using an energy analysis of small and large sugar beet production systems in Morocco. Total fossil energy inputs were 25,954 MJ/ha and 53,631 MJ/ha and energy outputs were 162,350 MJ/ha and 222,508 MJ/ha in the small and large farms, respectively. Energy input:output ratios were calculated as 1:3.46 and 1:2.30 if roots only are considered as output for small and large farms, respectively. Direct energy inputs, like electricity and fuel, range between 43 and 70% of total energy inputs. The most important indirect energy inputs were fertilizer and machinery. Irrigation was the most energy consuming operation in large farms and represents 1/3 of total energy inputs in these systems. The influence of the different energy inputs and operations is discussed and a comparison is made with other sugar beet producing regions in the world. Practical measures for saving energy and for environmental conservation based on this energy analysis are discussed.