Reasearch of Energy use efficiency for maize production systems in Izeh, Iran

Abstract

This study was carried out in Khuzestan province in Iran and aim of investigation was energy analysis (input-output) of maize production systems in Izeh County of Iran. Data were collected from 30 maize farms by using a face to face questionnaire method in 2011. The results revealed that in maize production systems total energy input was 34.640 MJ.ha^-1. The highest share of energy consumed was recorded for N fertilizer (20.80%) which is a nonrenewable resource. Output energy was 102.973 MJ.ha^-1. Accordingly, energy use efficiency (output-input ratio) was 2.97, energy productivity calculated as 0.20 kg.MJ^-1 and net energy was observed as 68.333 MJ.Kg^-1. Also, agrochemical energy ratio was 48.97% which is high ratio of input energy in this agro ecosystems.