Energy consumption and environmental burden analysis of cassava tuber production in Ogbomoso southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The behavior of an agricultural system can be understood better by considering its economic and environmental analysis. In order to reduce environmental load of energy uses, there is need for improved energy conversion and utilization. In this research, the energy consumption pattern in cassava production, and its environment burden were considered. Data of resources consumption were collected from cassava cultivation field and relevant research institutions, and converted to their energy value. Selected environmental impacts categories of the crop were determined using life cycle assessment model according to ISO 14040-14043 series. The results from the findings showed that crop protection, planting operation, land preparation, harvesting and packing consumed 16764.83, 5057.32, 5011.46 and 294MJ/ha which represented 61.80%, 18.64%, 18.48% and 1.08% respectively of the total energy consumption. Other energetic parameters and their value determined in cassava production were, energy productivity (1.47 kg/MJ), energy ratio (8.95) and net energy gain (215672.39 MJ/ha). The percentage nonrenewable energy and renewable energy consumed were 78.40% and 21.60% respectively. The environmental impacts associated with cassava production include global warming potential (GWP) (8.025E+01 kg CO2 equiv.), acidification potential (AP) (1.8892E-02 kg SO2 equiv), eutrophication potential (EP) (6.7375E-01 kg NO3 equiv.), and ozone layer depletion potentials (OLDP) (2.9981E-04 kg RII equiv.) The results obtained established cassava tuber as energy crop, and it production has negative impact on the environment. Non-renewable energy utilization in the crop production should be targeted for reduction.