Agricultural Energy Efficiency Research Articles

Waste-Based Vertical Planting System Proposal to Increase Productivity in Sustainable Horticulture; “PETREE”

The problems experienced with the decrease in agricultural areas per capita against the uncontrolled population growth in the World and in Turkey are becoming increasingly evident. Especially the manpower engaged in horticulture is increasingly experiencing the problems of migration, economic reasons, and inefficient production methods. For healthy and efficient production, agricultural lands need a sequential cycle that includes cultivation and fallow periods. Agricultural lands, the salt they contain, etc. When left fallow, the soil area needs to rest to re-establish the mineral balance. It is now vital for small producers, whose production areas are gradually shrinking due to global conditions, to continue production while their lands are resting to produce more continuously and efficiently. In the face of increasing demands, decreasing production amounts and areas, the constantly increasing prices of economically simple agricultural products “fresh vegetables” and affecting the easy accessibility of local products, it has become inevitable to seek new and alternative solutions. This study includes an innovative solution proposal to increase the production efficiency of low-scale producers and individual gardeners, especially those producing in small agricultural areas. Critical problems of large-scale greenhouse systems, interactions of agricultural practices within the framework of urban life, water and energy efficiency in agriculture, and sustainability and waste management of the proposed system are examined. To meet changing conditions and maintain productivity in small areas, it is envisaged that mobile and vertical production stations, which can produce by increasing productivity even in fallow areas while the soil is resting, can be an alternative solution to the problems of small producers. The vertical planting system “PETREE” develops mobile units for sustainable agriculture by collecting 5th LT-PET packages, which have a natural lifespan of about 90 years, and reusing them as plant pots and some recycled plastic pieces as structures. With efficient and environmentally friendly design suggestions, the system also examined the possibilities of more efficient gardening with mobile production stations in small agricultural areas, and efficient and enjoyable gardening that suits the needs of urban consumers “production with local seeds and seedlings” with the increase in environmental awareness and food safety concerns.

An improved low‐carbon intelligent agriculture system with energy optimization principles using wireless IoT environment

AbstractA low‐carbon agricultural plan and intelligent agriculture control system are designed and completed with a green economy to foster the significant expansion of green resources and environmental assets. This research employs a fixed‐effect panel model to examine the farming cumulative energy savings in 11 cities and regions along the Yamuna Tributary Commercial Region, focusing on both static and dynamic factors. The directional linear equation and the Malmquist–Luenberger (ML) indicator are the key analytical tools. Unlike conventional techniques, regression analysis using cross‐sectional data is the primary tributary. Research has found that a 5.9% decrease in the literacy rate of the working force had a large impact on farming energy efficiency and that for each 1% rise in crop losses, farm energy efficiency would decrease by 0.487%. In addition to mitigating the detrimental effects of industrial design and mechanization on agricultural output, this effort aids in the advancement of smart city design. This activity paves the way for cutting‐edge technology by encouraging people to move to cities, educating the workforce, and giving money to the agricultural sector. The ability of proposed model gives the smart agriculture system with intelligent control principles and energy optimization principles in the deployed wireless‐IoT platform. On this research problem, this paper contributes to new knowledge by approaching agricultural energy efficiency from a green economy perspective, conducting regression analyses of panel data on the most important influencing factors using the advanced statistical analysis tool Eviews, and then drawing the conclusion from the evaluation of metrics that affect farming energy efficiency in our nation. Enhancing productivity while also fostering long‐term growth in the agricultural ecosystem is crucial. It contributes for smart and green technologies adaptation in agriculture filed.

Mechanism of influence of agricultural cooperation on the development of human capital of rural areas of Ukraine

The article is devoted to highlighting the impact of agricultural cooperation on the development of human capital in rural areas and substantiating the components and architectonics of the mechanism of this process. It is substantiated that one of the most promising forms of horizontal integration of small and medium-sized agricultural producers in Ukraine is cooperation, which is an objective necessity for the socio-economic development of both the agrarian sector of the economy and rural areas. It has been established that, depending on the species' activities, service cooperatives are divided into processing, procurement and sale, supply, service, and others, and the features of their tasks and functions in the process of economic activity are characterized. The efficiency of the functioning of agricultural service cooperatives in the European Union, aimed at improving management efficiency and protection from competition with monopoly structures in the processing and sale of agricultural products, is shown. The importance of developing agricultural service cooperatives to solve sales problems and increase energy efficiency in agriculture, particularly with the help of "green" energy cooperatives, is indicated. Attention is focused on the low quality of legal norms and the complexity of administrative and legal regulation of the activities of cooperatives, and the need for further support from the state and improvement of information support is determined. The groups of negative factors influencing the development of the agricultural service cooperative are generalized and disclosed, dividing them into three groups: State, economic, and organizational. A mechanism of influence of agricultural service cooperation on the formation and development of human capital in rural areas of Ukraine has been proposed. During the study, considering the negative factors influencing the development of the agricultural service cooperative, the architectonics of the mechanism of influence of agricultural service cooperation on the formation and development of human capital in rural areas of Ukraine, which can ensure the creation of economic, social, and environmental conditions for the formation and development of human capital in rural areas, was presented and substantiated. Keywords: agricultural cooperation, service cooperation, human resources, rural areas, development mechanisms.

Whether the agricultural energy rebound offsets the governance effectiveness of the China's natural resource audit policy?

Due to the absence of a Chinese agricultural environmental trading market and the national government's "dual carbon" goal, government audit reform has been an important central government tool to ensure parallel economic and environmental performances and promote the green transformation of agriculture; however, in practice, the energy rebound effect may offset this effort. Based on panel data from 206 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2019, this study took China's leading official accountability audit of natural resources (LOAANR) pilot as a standard natural experiment to explore the policy effects and action paths of LOAANR on the agricultural direct energy rebound (DAER) and the indirect energy rebound (IAER), for which a spatial difference-in-difference (SDID) model was used. The results show that the LOAANR resulted in an agricultural energy rebound (AER) in the pilot cities and also had positive spillover on the AER in neighboring cities through demonstration, imitation, and training effects. It was also found that this effect was strongest in developed and agricultural non-focus cities. Finally, the mechanism test found that the LOAANR positively promoted AER in the pilot cities and negatively affected the AER in neighboring cities through agricultural energy efficiency (ATFEE). Therefore, several policy recommendations that can refine the LOAANR policy audit checklist and promote the green transformation of agriculture were presented.

Total-Factor Energy Efficiency and Its Driving Factors in China’s Agricultural Sector: An Empirical Analysis of the Regional Differences

Improving agricultural energy efficiency is essential in reducing energy consumption and achieving agricultural sustainable development. This paper aims to measure the agricultural total-factor energy efficiency in China rather than the partial-factor energy efficiency while taking full account of regional heterogeneity and to investigate the driving factors of agricultural total-factor energy efficiency. The empirical results showed that the average value of agricultural total-factor energy efficiency is 0.814 in China, and the technological gap ratio is 0.853. The regional difference in agricultural total-factor energy efficiency was quite obvious. Higher agricultural energy inputs are associated with higher agricultural total-factor productivity. The total value of potential agricultural energy savings in 30 provinces of China reached 1704.41 billion tons of standard coal. In terms of the absolute amount of agricultural energy saving, the amount was largest in the low-energy-input area, which was 113.87 million tons of standard coal, accounting for 66.81% of the total potential saving amount. Furthermore, we used the Tobit model to analyze the influencing factors of agricultural total-factor energy efficiency. We found that the proportion of agriculture to GDP has a positive impact on agricultural total-factor energy efficiency, while the per capita income of farmers, fiscal support for agriculture, the illiteracy rate of farmers, agricultural labor input, and agricultural capital stock have a negative impact on agricultural total-factor energy efficiency. Finally, we proposed policy implications in terms of agricultural technological progress, agricultural infrastructure, technical training, etc.

Bibliometric Evaluation of Energy Efficiency in Agriculture

In recent years, the importance of energy efficiency in the agricultural sector has become increasingly apparent. As the world faces challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth, the need for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices has intensified. Energy plays a crucial role in agricultural production, from powering machinery and irrigation systems to processing and transportation. Therefore, understanding the scientific advancements and collaborative efforts in the field of energy efficiency in agriculture is essential for devising effective strategies, promoting innovation, and achieving global sustainability goals. The aim of this study is to provide insight into and a comprehensive overview of global publications on energy efficiency in agriculture and examine its scientific productivity. The paper explores the research areas and trending topics within the field, as well as the extent of collaboration among authors, institutions, and countries involved in this scientific domain. This investigation is crucial in order to address the current energy shocks and the numerous problems they generate, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach and the need for multiple regions to work together. Only by offering rapid and viable solutions can we effectively overcome this situation.

Energy Efficiency in Agriculture through Tokenization of 5G and Edge Applications

This study delves into the potential of 5G and blockchain technologies in smart agriculture, specifically targeting remote farming sectors. A conceptual architecture is proposed, aiming to leverage these cutting-edge technologies while ensuring energy efficiency and sustainable development within the agriculture industry. We provide an in-depth analysis of 5G applications and explore alternative communication channels that could empower remote communities, introducing them to state-of-the-art technological solutions. A unique aspect of our research is the detailed presentation of a parametric insurance business case, designed to align with the proposed architecture, thereby illustrating the practicality of our approach. Moreover, we propose an innovative solution to the challenge of providing internet connectivity in rural areas using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Current limitations due to the weight of onboard equipment, which includes an access network and a backhaul link for internet provision, are addressed by introducing a lightweight 5G system onboard the UAV. This system serves multiple user equipment on the ground, with one acting as a connection gateway to the internet. This unique approach not only streamlines the process of providing rural internet connectivity but also opens up new markets for service providers and businesses related to lightweight 5G systems and UAV technology. Our work presents an avant-garde solution to technical challenges and offers significant business opportunities in the rapidly evolving telecommunications sector and beyond.

Impact of endogenous power factors and price marketization on agricultural energy efficiency: Based on the use of coal and oil energy in China

In the face of the enormous challenge of climate change and environmental pollution, improving energy efficiency is currently the best option for achieving economic green recovery. Using generalized method of moments estimation of dynamic panel data models, we examined the effects of endogenous power factors (e.g., farmers' human capital, invention patents, and agricultural digitalization) on agricultural energy efficiency, as well as the moderating role of price marketization therein. The results show that farmers’ human capital and agricultural invention patents cannot significantly improve agricultural energy efficiency, whereas agricultural digitalization promotes it obviously. Meanwhile, price marketization has played an important role in improving agricultural energy efficiency. Moreover, the higher the price marketization level, the more significant the role of endogenous power factors in improving agricultural energy efficiency.

The influences of the advancement of green technology on agricultural CO2 release reduction: A case of Chinese agricultural industry

The development of green technology (GT) may have a vital influence in decreasing carbon releases, and the linkage between the advancement of GT and CO 2 releases in China's agricultural industry has not attracted enough attention. The main objectives of this study are to assess the influence of agricultural green technology advancement on efficiency enhancement, release control capabilities, agricultural energy structure, and agriculture industrial structure. This article decomposes the advancement of green technology (AGTP) in the agricultural industry in China into resource-saving green technology advancement (AEGTP) and emission reduction green technology advancement (ACGTP). At the same time, to evaluate the intermediary impact of green technology advancement, a two-step econometric model and an intermediary impact model were utilized to evaluate the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 1998 to 2018. The role of AGTP (including ACGTP and AEGTP) and CO 2 release concentration has also been explored critically. The results show that (i) under the two-step measurement method, AGTP has substantial favorable impacts on agricultural energy efficiency (EF) and possesses a negative impact on agriculture industrial structure (PS) and agricultural energy structure (ES). Agricultural energy efficiency (EF) and agriculture industrial structure (PS) under AGTP will reduce CO 2 release concentration, but the path of agricultural energy structure (ES) will increase CO 2 release concentration. (ii) At the national level, AGTP has an immediate unfavorable influence on CO 2 releases. After introducing the intermediary variables, the intermediary impact of AGTP on CO 2 releases through agricultural energy efficiency (EF), agriculture industrial structure (PS), and agricultural energy structure (ES) is also significantly negative, and the direct impacts of each variable are higher than the intermediary impact. (iii) In terms of different zones, the direct impacts of AGTP are all significant. The order of significance of the direct impacts of different zones is west to central and central to eastern. The overall significance ranking of the mediating impact is ACGTP > AEGTP > AGTP, and the significance ranking of each index is ES > EF > PS. Finally, this article puts forward some policy recommendations to reduce CO 2 releases.

How does agricultural industrial structure upgrading affect agricultural carbon emissions? Threshold effects analysis for China.

China continues to emphasize the importance of reducing agricultural carbon emissions and promoting the upgrading of its agricultural industry structure. However, the relationship between the two is rarely examined. This study aims to investigate the impact of upgrading the agricultural industry structure on agricultural carbon emissions. A two-stage instrumental technique and a threshold regression model are used in this study's analysis. The results indicate that agricultural industrial structure upgrading reduces agricultural carbon emissions by a statistically significant amount above the threshold of 0.378. The examination of the underlying mechanism shows agricultural energy efficiency and off-farm work as mediators of the nonlinear relationship between agricultural industrial structure upgrading and agricultural carbon emissions. Only when the agricultural energy efficiency and off-farm work thresholds are surpassed can improving the structure of the agricultural industry minimize agricultural carbon emissions. Analysis of heterogeneity indicates that the threshold for lowering agricultural carbon emissions is greater in northern China, but the potential for reduction is greater.

Сomparative energy efficiency of soil management of Cherkasy region in different periods of management

Aim. To conduct a comparative analysis of energy efficiency of agriculture in the period of developed animal husbandry when applying manure as an organic fertilizer (1956−1995) and its coagulation (1996−2020) and the use of by-products in the agro-industrial complex of Cherkasy region. Methods. Analytical, statistical, mathematical. Results. During the period from 1956 to 2020 there was a significant transformation of the structure of sown areas in the agro-industrial complex of Cherkasy region due to the reduction of spring crops, fodder crops and growth of corn, sunflower, soybeans, which significantly affected the yield of main and by-products and changed their ratio. which, in the end, leaned in favor of the yield of by-products with the growth of the components that determine the ratio. The change in the structure of sown areas significantly affected the energy intensity of the main and by-products: in the period from 1956 to 1975, the main products accounted for 43% of energy consumption, and by-products – 35%; in the period 1976–1990 48% and 35%; in the period 2011−2020 36% and 54% respectively. Energy profitability for the growth of productivity and gross output of basic products in the period from 1996 to 2020 decreased 4.2 times compared to the period from 1956 to 1995, and relative to the total biomass formed by 1.25 times; energy consumption of production increased 4.9 times, and energy efficiency decreased 3.9 times. At the same time Kee decreased by 2.8–3.9 times, reaching the lower limit of efficiency (Kee = 2.5–2.6). Conclusions. It was found that the highest energy efficiency of agriculture was in the period from 1996 to 2000, when the highest level of energy efficiency was achieved (Kee = 4.66): at the same time high efficiency of crop production was ensured with simultaneous use of manure and by-products as organic fertilizer. . During this period, the optimal number of cattle was reached, when the number of cattle was about 600 thousand, against 1022 thousand heads in the period 1985−1990, which is 1.7 times less.

Сirculation of carbon oxide depending on the energy efficiency of agriculture – regional aspect

Aim. To establish the relationship between energy efficiency of crop production with the balance of carbon monoxide during the period of increasing manure application (1956–1995) and its replacement by by-products as organic fertilizer and to develop a model of carbon monoxide and agrocenosis depending on energy costs in agriculture. AIC of Cherkasy region in the period from 1956 to 2020. Methods. Information-analytical, mathematical-statistical (correlation-regression, factor, method of nonparametric statistics). Results. The increase in energy efficiency in agriculture of the region's agro-industrial complex is associated with a decrease in the formation of humus from organic fertilizers, when the increase in Kee per unit was accompanied by a decrease in humus production of 0.16 million tons and accompanied by an increase in mineralization (Kee per unit was 2.42 million. tons of C-CO2 mineralization). During the period of manure application and supplementation with crop and root residues, the ratio of С-СО2, which passed from manure and crop residues to humus was in the range of 0.7–1.2 to 1, but due to the higher level of humification coefficients of crop and root residues mineralization of manure is a more intense source of C-CO2 emissions compared to the mineralization of crop and root residues, which are a stock factor of C-CO2. With the complete replacement of manure by side phytomass as an organic fertilizer, the emission of C-CO2 from the mineralization of its excess remains lower on average by 2.27 times compared to the period of manure application. Conclusions. With the growth of Kee, the level of mineral processes increases and the sequestration capacity of С-СО2 decreases (according to Ib humus and agrocenosis), agricultural productivity increases, but the fertility of agricultural lands decreases, which is typical for the period of manure application. When manure is replaced by by-products, the Kee, the level of mineralization processes and the increase of sequestration capacity of С-СО2 humus and agrocenosis decrease, which provides conditions for the formation of land fertility against the background of reduced agricultural productivity.

Dynamic change of agricultural energy efficiency and its influencing factors in China

In order to practice the concept of‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’ and promote the green development of agriculture, it is necessary to improve the efficiency of agricultural energy utilization. Based on the panel data of 28 provinces from 1995 to 2018, this paper calculated China’s agricultural energy input from two categories of direct energy and indirect energy, and used EBM (Epsilon-based Measure) mixed distance function model to measure the energy efficiency of agriculture in China. The nuclear density function and spatial autocorrelation were used to analyze the dynamic evolution of agricultural energy efficiency, and the dynamic panel model was used to analyze the influencing factors of agricultural energy efficiency. The results showed that: ① From 1995 to 2018, the total agricultural energy input had increased year by year in China, with an average annual growth rate of 2% . Energy input structure changed from indirect energy-based to direct energy-based. Agricultural energy efficiency showed an evolutionary trend of ‘rising-stagnating-rising rapidly’in China. The agricultural energy efficiency was generally low in China, and there was a large space for improvement in agricultural energy efficiency. ② From 1995 to 2018, the average annual growth rate of agricultural energy efficiency in the eastern, central and western regions was 2. 7%, 1. 9% and 1. 4% respectively. In 2018, the agricultural energy efficiency in the eastern, central and western regions was 0. 81, 0. 71 and 0. 59 respectively. The gap between regions was expanding rapidly, and the agricultural energy efficiency in the central and western regions needed to be improved. ③ From 1995 to 2018, the agricultural energy efficiency of each province was polarized and the absolute gap was widened. There was obvious improvement in agricultural energy efficiency in Guangdong, Shandong, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Liaoning and Tianjin, while the agricultural energy efficiency of Xinjiang, Guizhou, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Inner Mongolia deteriorated. ④ From 1995 to 2018, there was no global spatial correlation of China’s agricultural energy efficiency. However, local ‘high-high’concentration gradually appeared in the eastern region since 2010. ⑤ The first lag of energy efficiency had a significant positive impact on agricultural energy efficiency, and agricultural energy efficiency improvement had a time lag. The level of human capital, per capita net income of farmers and the level of urbanizaton had a significant positive impact on agricultural energy efficiency. The disaster rate, the level of development of secondary and tertiary industries, and the level of opening up had a significant negative impact on agricultural energy efficiency. In the implementation of the strategy of rural revitalization, we should focus on the central and western regions, take the cultivation of professional farmers as the key, focus on improving agricultural production conditions, enhance the level of cooperation between regions, exert the leading role of the secondary and tertiary industries, and enhance the ability of agricultural disaster prevention and mitigation.

Reconciling the micro‐ and macro‐perspective in agricultural energy efficiency analysis for sustainable development

AbstractEfficient use of energy resources is the key element ensuring the development of the agricultural sector in a sustainable way. The reduction of energy use in Lithuania's agriculture is considered in strategic documents, and the energy efficiency is seen as crucial element of development for ensuring climate neutrality and eventually reaching climate‐smart agriculture. At the same time, the energy use is supported in terms of excise duty relief for fuel used in agricultural activities. Setting reasonable policy targets requires an integrated approach towards energy efficiency. The aim of the paper is to investigate the energy intensity and efficiency in Lithuanian farms across different farming types and to perform the energy intensity in the European Union (EU) context. Four energy intensity indicators were chosen, and based on these indicators, the energy performance score is constructed using the simple additive weighting method. The data envelopment analysis is applied to identify the policy targets for improving energy efficiency at different levels. Lithuanian farm accountancy data (FADN) of family farms and the standard results of the EU FADN were used in the research for the period of 2004–2019 and 2004–2018, respectively. The analysis revealed that the managerial efficiency levels are lower technological gaps in farms indicating on‐farm innovations being a major issue to improve energy efficiency. The results showed that energy costs can be reduced by some 49%, 48%, 37%, 30% and 20% in Lithuanian cereals, oilseeds and protein crops (COP), milk, field crops, cattle and orchards‐fruit farms, respectively.

Energy Efficiency, Energy Conservation and Determinants in the Agricultural Sector in Emerging Economies

Improving energy efficiency and conservation is integral to sustain agricultural growth in emerging economies. This paper investigates the energy efficiency and energy-saving potential of the agricultural sector of 27 emerging economies using a stochastic frontier approach and Shephard distance function, and their determinants are examined using the Tobit quantile regression model. Results revealed that energy efficiency in the agricultural sector fluctuated during the period from 1998 to 2017. The median average energy efficiency was estimated at 0.74, and the cumulative energy-saving potential was estimated at 542.80 million tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe), which can be achieved by eliminating energy inefficiency alone. Differences exist in energy efficiency and energy-saving potential across continents, with higher potential in Asia and lower potential in Europe. Economic structure, urbanization and GDP per capita have negative influences on agricultural energy efficiency. Energy mix and pesticide use are significant drivers of energy efficiency, while the ratio of agricultural land that has varied influences different quantiles. Policy implications include optimization of the energy mix, economic structure and pesticide use.

Energy audits and eco-feedback: Exploring the barriers and facilitators of agricultural energy efficiency improvements on Australian farms

This paper aims to understand the farm-level barriers and opportunities to greater energy efficiency in the Australian agricultural sector. Using a mixed methods approach informed by social practice theory, we detail the experiences of 12 farmers who received an energy audit and energy use feedback dashboard (eco-feedback) through government-supported energy efficiency initiatives. Findings suggest on-farm energy use is dictated by a number of heterogeneous factors and practices, where despite an overall positive reception to the interventions, a lack of available time, funds, complicated electricity tariffs and inadaptability of practices represent barriers to energy efficient actions. In response, this paper makes suggestions for the design of energy efficiency initiatives, policy and farm-specific eco-feedback, including: (1) Increased support around tariff navigation, (2) consideration of farmers’ financial circumstances in audit recommendations, (3) a re-ordering of program instruments and (4) designing eco-feedback specifically for farmers, including hardware that supports multiple meters, and real-time water use feedback.

A Review of Key Technologies and Trends in the Development of Integrated Heating and Power Systems in Agriculture.

Petroleum agriculture, characterized by mechanization and chemistry, is developing rapidly in China. However, petroleum agriculture has not only brought food safety problems, but also caused great obstacles to the sustainable development of society. In view of the disadvantages of oil agriculture, we provide an upgrading plan for energy systems in agriculture. This work can help reduce carbon emissions and improve food security. We introduce the most advanced technologies in Chinese agricultural development and the technical scope includes new agricultural energy power generation, agricultural energy use and the safe operation of agricultural energy systems. We describe the detailed data of agricultural bioenvironmental and energy engineering to clarify the level of agricultural energy efficiency in China. The overall conclusion of this paper is that the deep integration of agriculture and energy internet has become the development trend of agricultural energy systems.

Reducing the negative impact of soil erosion in the Belgorod region through adaptive landscape farming system

In the Russian Federation, solving problems of land use, land relations, and land policy leave the basis for social, environmental, economic, and overall political stability of the state. The area of the Belgorod region is 2713.4 thousand hectares, including arable land - 1654.4 thousand hectares (61 %), pastures - 347.6 thousand hectares (12.8 %), hayfield - 68.1 thousand hectares (2.5 %), forests and other lands - 316.5 thousand hectares (22.7 %). The area of eroded soils is 53.6 % of the entire territory of the region. They include: slightly washed out soils - about 35 %, moderate washed out soils - about 13 %, strongly washed out soils - 5.6 %, and flushed - about 1 %. According to Belgorod agrarian scientific center of the RAS area of eroded lands in the Belgorod region has increased in the Western natural-agricultural zone - by 5.1 %, in the Central - by 8.4 % and in the South-East - by 9.1 % over the last 3040 years. Currently, the concept of adaptive landscape farming has been developed, which provides for comprehensive measures to prevent soil degradation and create environmentally sustainable agricultural landscapes. Adaptive landscape soil protection system of agriculture provides for expansion of perennial grasses up to 25 %, introduction of leguminous crops and annual grasses in crop rotations. With a reduction in the use of mineral and organic fertilizers in modern economic conditions, it is impossible to achieve a balance of humus acceptable for sustainable development of the studied agricultural landscape. System of agriculture adapted to local landscapes provides for introduction of the whole complex of soil conservation measures which can stop land degradation caused by soil erosion. Introduction of adaptive landscape system of agriculture in the pilot farm of the Belgorod agricultural research center allowed to minimize erosion processes, stabilize soil fertility, and significantly improve economic indicators and energy efficiency of agriculture in the economy. The area of arable land was slightly reduced, and the area of forest belts and soil protection crop rotations increased. The average yield of grain crops and sugar beets increased greatly, the use of organic and mineral fertilizers increased significantly, their payback improved, and the crop industry became profitable and cost-effective. Only through adaptive landscape agriculture it is possible to stop water erosion, create conditions for stabilizing and increasing soil fertility, ensure the biologization of agriculture and increase its economic efficiency. Ultimately, this will increase production of domestic agricultural products and increase Russias food security.

Energy and productivity analysis of maize based crop sequences compared to rice-wheat system under different moisture regimes

Energy efficiency in agriculture needs to be improved to reduce the dependence on non-renewable sources. The energy flow of eight different crop sequences: rice-wheat, maize-wheat, maize-potato-mentha + onion, maize + cowpea(f)-potato-mentha + onion, maize + cowpea (f)-potato-spring maize, maize + cowpea(f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong, maize-gobhi sarson + toria-summer moong and maize + cowpea(f)-gobhi sarson + toria-summer moong with four irrigation regimes of irrigation water/cumulative pan evaporation ratios 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and recommended schedule was carried out at Ludhiana, Punjab. Potato was the most energy intensive (44.59 GJ ha−1) while gobhi sarson (11.14 GJ ha−1) and summer moong (7.04 GJ ha−1) were much more extensive crops. The highest irrigation water energy requiring crop was the rice under the recommended irrigation schedule. Maize + cowpea(f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong crop sequence was found to be the most energy efficient (53.57). The lowest energy efficiency was reported with maize-potato-mentha + onion (21.31). Energy productivity increased with increase in amount of irrigation water applied. The most energy productive cropping sequence was maize + cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with IW/CPE ratio of 1.25 irrigation schedule. Improved energy efficiency with maize + cowpea(f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong in conjunction with I1.25 and IRec suggests the adoption of alternative cropping sequences compared to rice-wheat system to reduce the irrigation water requirement.

ВЛИЯНИЕ СИСТЕМ ОБРАБОТКИ СВЕТЛО-СЕРОЙ ЛЕСНОЙ ПОЧВЫ НА УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ И ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКУЮ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ ЗЕРНОВЫХ КУЛЬТУР ЗА РОТАЦИЮ ЗЕРНОВОГО СЕВООБОРОТА В УСЛОВИЯХ ВОЛГО-ВЯТСКОГО РЕГИОНА

The research was carried out in order to find new technological and technical solutions that ensure the energy efficiency of agriculture, stabilization and increase in the yield of agricultural crops for the rotation of grain crop rotation in Volga-Vyatka region. The field experiment was started in 2014 in Nizhny Novgorod region. The work was carried out in grain crop rotation: 1. mustard for seeds; 2. winter wheat; 3. soy; 4. spring wheat; 5. peas; 6. oats. The experimental scheme included 5 systems of tillage (factor A), differing in the methods of the main autumn tillage. For each system of soil cultivation, the influence of mineral fertilizers and destructors of plant residues (factor B) was determined. Against the background of natural soil fertility, the most energetically payback option of the main soil cultivation system is autumn plowing with a plow with dumps (energy coefficient 2.93). The use of a plow without plows, a Pottinger Synkro 5030 K chisel cultivator and a Discover XM 44660 nothad disc harrow in a soil cultivation system leads to a decrease in the energy coefficient to 2.84 ... 2.85; and the use of no-till technology - up to 1.88. Against the background of natural soil fertility, the greatest energy return was provided by systems with fall plowing, carried out both with a plow with dumps and without them, as well as with disking as the main soil cultivation in combination with the use of the biological product Stimix®Niva - energy coefficients were in the range of 3 , 03 ... 3.31. When using no-till technology, the highest value of this indicator was noted when N60P60K60 was applied separately (2.27) and together with the biological product Stimix®Niva (2.53). The maximum energy return in the experiment was recorded in the variant with the main tillage of the soil with a Pottinger chisel cultivator against the background of N60P60K60 together with the biological product Stimix®Niva - the average energy coefficient was 3.45