Dr. Alireza Khoshroo,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (11-2023)
Abstract
This study evaluates the indices of energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in sugarcane production systems of seven agro-industrial units in Khuzestan Province, Iran. For this purpose, data on agricultural input consumption and sugarcane yield were collected from selected farms and analyzed using conventional energy analysis methods. The results showed that the total input energy consumption was 123,000 MJ ha⁻¹. Among the energy inputs, nitrogen fertilizer represented the highest share of input energy consumption (26% of total energy input), followed by irrigation water, electricity, diesel fuel, and sugarcane seed cuttings. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy, and net energy in sugarcane production were calculated as 0.76, 0.63 kg MJ⁻¹, 1.57 MJ kg⁻¹, and −29,143.16 MJ ha⁻¹, respectively. In addition, the total greenhouse gas emission was estimated to be 4,081.65 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹. The results indicate that the high contribution of non-renewable energy sources in the energy input of sugarcane production presents serious challenges in terms of agricultural sustainability and environmental pollution. Therefore, the adoption of appropriate management strategies aimed at reducing non-renewable energy consumption, improving input use efficiency, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources is essential for enhancing agricultural sustainability and mitigating environmental impacts in sugarcane production systems.
