COMPARISON OF ENERGY USE EFFICIENCY OF DIFFERENT TILLAGE METHODS ON THE SECONDARY CROP CORN SILAGE PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study aimed to make an energy efficiency analysis of different tillage methods on the secondary crop corn silage production during production years in 2011 and 2013. In order to determine energy efficiency of corn, the treatments were performed in Thrace region of Turkey to determine the amount of energy use efficiency for different tillage methods. This study was perform to evaluate the effects of different tillage methods on energy use, the energy input - output ratios and profitability for corn silage production. The study was planned as a completely randomized parcel design with four tillage systems in four replications. The tillage methods were consisted of (T-1) : turn shredder + heavy tine spring cultivator + pneumatic precision drill, (T-2) : turn shredder + rotory tiler + pneumatic precision drill, (T-3) : turn shredder + chisel + heavy duty disk harrow + pneumatic precision drill and (T-4): plough + heavy duty disk harrow + pneumatic precision drill. The effects of tillage were found on energy indicators. The highest corn yield 67035 kg, energy use efficiency (5.52), energy outputs 2777793.04 MJ ha(-1), energy productivity (1.33 kg MJ(-1)) and net energy (227493.67 MJ ha(-1)) were found in T-4 method but Ti had the lowest. T-4 method should be supported and recommended for the energy sustainability of corn silage production.