Measurement of Energy Indices in Corn Production under Different Tillage Systems

Abstract

Minimum tillage and no tillage methods not only increase soil fertility but also reduce energy consumption and production costs. This study was performed to determine the energy indices in corn production under different tillage systems (conventional tillage, minimum tillage by disk, minimum tillage by chisel packer, and no tillage) in corn farms of Orzuiyeh region, Kerman province in 2017. For this purpose, questionnaires were filled by farmers and the necessary data were collected through interviews with them. In this study, energy efficiency, net energy gain, energy productivity, energy intensity and water use efficiency indices were calculated and analyzed. Results of this study showed that the maximum energy efficiency (1.81 MJ / ha) and maximum net energy gain (51402 MJ / ha) were achieved in minimum tillage by disk treatment. Energy productivity index was equal to 0.155, 0.155, 0.123 and 0.105 kg / ha for conventional tillage, minimum tillage by disk, minimum tillage by chisel packer and no tillage respectively. Maximum energy intensity (9 MJ/kg) was found in conventional tillage and minimum energy intensity (8.1 MJ/kg) was calculated in minimum tillage by disk treatment. Maximum water use efficiency (0.85 kg/m3) was found in the treatment of minimum tillage by disk. The results of this study also indicated that in corn cultivation in Orzuiyeh region, the maximum amount of energy consumptions occur in water supply, fertilizer application, machinery equipment and fuel respectively. Modification of irrigation methods, optimation of fertilizer consumption and using minimum tillage methods may improve energy ratio and increase farmer’s income in corn production in Orzuiyeh region.