Strategies for optimization of energy use in field operations of agricultural productions

Energy use is one of the key indicators for developing more sustainable agricultural practices. Mechanization development strategies require both the quantitative and qualitative assessments of the mechanization indices and their impacts on agricultural production (yield) and economic factors. The main objectives of this study were assessing the mechanization status and introducing strategies for optimization of energy consumption in field operations of crop productions in Varamin agricultural complex, Tehran, Iran, where there is an intensive agricultural crops production in the country. The results from this study indicates that the majority of operational energy used for crop production was derived from mechanical power. Energy management should be considered as an important issue in terms of sustainable, efficient and economic use of energy. Modification of operations, where possible, to make the best use of energy price structures, increasing the use of energy from renewable sources through application of composts, chopped residues or other soil amendments and also employing the conservation tillage methods would be useful not only for providing higher energy use efficiency and decreasing production costs, but also for reducing negative effects to the environment. The extension activities for the farmers in the region are needed to improve the efficiency of energy consumption in crop production in the region.

کلیدواژه ها:

Agricultural machinery ، Energy ، Mechanization ، Productivity ، Varamin agriculture complex