Optimal crop management can reduce energy use and greenhouse gases emissions in rainfed canola production

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Agronomy Group, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan 49138-15739, Iran.

Abstract

Energy use and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in rainfed canola production
in north eastern Iran were analyzed to find measures to reduce energy use and
GHG emissions. Four production scenarios, i.e. a high-input, a low-input, a better
crop management and a usual scenario, evaluated. All activities and production
processes were monitored and recorded over three consecutive years. The usual
scenario consumed 13 GJ ha-1 energy input, resulted in 52 GJ ha-1 energy output
and GHG emissions of 1028 kg CO2-eq ha-1 and 556 kg CO2-eq t-1. The key factors
relating to energy use and GHG emissions were nitrogen fertilizer and fuel for field
operations. Compared to the usual production scenario, the better crop management
production scenario was significantly more efficient; it consumed 25% less input
energy, needed 17% lower amount of nitrogen fertilizer, but resulted in 35% more
grain yield and output energy. This scenario also resulted in 26% less GHG
emissions per unit field area and 45% less GHG emissions per ton of grain.
Measures of improvement in energy use and GHG emission were identified.
Keywords: Canola; Crop management; Energy; Environment; GHG emission.
International Journal of Plant Production
Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
August 2014
Pages 587-604

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