Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare organic and conventional apple production systems in terms of energy, economics and greenhouse gas emissions at an orchard located at Egirdir Fruit Research Institute Isparta-Turkey, where ’Williams Pride’ apple variety were grafted on M9 rootstock. The results showed that the total energy consumptions for organic and conventional apple orchards were 25,937.58 and 29,199.61 MJ ha−1, respectively (P 0.01). The renewable energy consumed in organic farming (30.19%) was higher than that of conventional farming system (13.58%). Benefit to cost ratio of apple produced organically (1.74) was higher than that of conventional groves (1.46) (P > 0.01). The value of total greenhouse gas emission of organic production was estimated at 1344.27 kg CO2eq ha−1 while conventional production was 1464.07 kg CO2eq ha−1 (P < 0.01). In conclusion, organic apple production systems can reduce the non-renewable energy consumption, protect the environment, and maintain soil quality with comparable apple outputs while yielding higher profits and greater energy efficiency.
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