Determination of energy balance of sugar beet production in Turkey: a case study of KA +/- rklareli Province

Abstract

This study aimed to make an energy analysis of sugar beet production in KA +/- rklareli Province of Turkey during production season in 2012-2013. In order to determine energy input-output of sugar beet, the surveys were performed in 48 sugar beet farms, selected by using Neyman method, located in KA +/- rklareli Province. The data were collected by face-to-face questionnaires and observations. The energy input and output were calculated as 34,201.75 and as 285,600 MJ ha(-1), respectively, in sugar beet production. Energy inputs consist of 41.97 % chemical fertilizer's energy, 21.16 % diesel fuel energy, 11.97 % irrigation, 11.96 % electricity energy, 6.47 % human labour energy, 5.53 % machinery energy, 0.61 % seed energy and 0.33 % chemical energy. Energy usage efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy and net energy in sugar beet production were calculated as 8.35, 1.98 kg MJ(-1), 0.50 MJ kg(-1) and 251,398.25 MJ ha(-1), respectively.