Abstract
This study investigates the input–output energy-flow patterns and CO2 emissions from the wheat–rice crop rotation system. In this regard, an arid region of Punjab, Pakistan was selected as the study area, comprising 4150 km2. Farmers were interviewed to collect data and information on input/output sources during the 2020 work season. The total energy from these sources was calculated using appropriate energy equivalents. Three energy indices, including energy use efficiency (ηe), energy productivity (ηp), and net energy (ρ), were defined and calculated to investigate overall energy efficiency. Moreover, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique was used to optimize the input energy in wheat and rice production. Finally, CO2 emissions was calculated using emissions equivalents from peer-reviewed published literature. Results showed that the average total energy consumption in rice production was twice the energy consumed in wheat production. However, the values of ηe, ηp, and ρ were higher in wheat production and calculated as 5.68, 202.3 kg/GJ, and 100.12 GJ/ha, respectively. The DEA showed the highest reduction potential in machinery energy for both crops, calculated as −42.97% in rice production and −17.48% in wheat production. The highest CO2 emissions were found in rice production and calculated as 1762.5 kg-CO2/ha. Our conclusion indicates that energy consumption and CO2 emissions from wheat–rice cropping systems can be minimized using optimized energy inputs.
Highlights
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa) are the main cereal crops grown worldwide, constituting 54% of the total cereal production [1]
The average labor consumption in rice production was observed as 242.698 h/ha, which was four times higher than that used in wheat production
The usage of diesel, electricity, water, and machinery in rice production was much higher than their usage in wheat production
Summary
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa) are the main cereal crops grown worldwide, constituting 54% of the total cereal production [1]. The mean annual global wheat and rice production are recorded as 646.9 and 654.8 million metric tonnes, respectively [2]. These grains are the staple food of 85% of the world population [3,4]. Pakistan is an agricultural country, having a share of 3.32% and 1.3% in the world’s wheat and rice production, respectively [2] The demand for these grains is increasing tremendously, due to increasing growth in the world’s population. Arable land is decreasing, due to housing societies and other domestic/commercial purposes This necessitates efficient energy use in agricultural production to enhance yields and sustain food security. Energy-efficient and environment-friendly storage systems can play an important role in avoiding off-season food shortages [9,10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
