Energy Efficiency and Economic Analysis of Walnut Production in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey is one of the countries that is the gene center and the homeland of walnuts. The purpose of the study was to determine the energy uses of walnut production in Turkey. In the study, the energy efficiency of walnut production, net energy, energy productivity, and specific energy were examined. In addition, the benefit-cost ratio, the use of direct and indirect energy, renewable and non-renewable energy were determined. Data was obtained from walnut producers in the Istanbul province of Turkey by using a survey. Surveys were performed with 48 walnut producers. Total energy input and total energy output of the surveyed orchards were calculated as 12,605 MJ ha−1 and 23,300 MJ ha−1 respectively. The energy use efficiency was calculated as 1.85 for the walnut production. While specific energy was calculated as 5.95 MJ kg−1 energy productivity was calculated 0.17 kg MJ−1 in the study. According to economic analysis, it was determined that the walnut producers had 4850 US$ ha−1 net return per year. The benefit-cost ratio was calculated as 1.51. As a result of the study, it was determined that the walnut production was preferable in the region.