Effects of mechanization on energy requirements for apple production in Esfahan province, Iran

The data used in this study to survey energy consumption in apple production were collected from 113 producers, using a face to face questionnaire method in the Esfahan province of Iran. The results showed that the average input energy increased in parallel to the mechanization scale of farms. Information revealed that 44938.57 MJ/ha energy were consumed by the first group (medium mechanized) and 33100.82 MJ/ha by the second group of farms. Fuel is mainly used for land preparation, pruning practices, transportation and chemicals for pest control were the major energy inputs in both types of farms. Output-Input energy ratio, energy productivity and net energy gain were higher on the second group as compared to the first group. The output–input energy ratio, energy productivity and specific energy were 1.02, 0.425 kg/MJ and 2.353 MJ/ha in the first strata and 1.35, 0.563 kg/MJ and 1.775 MJ/ha in the second strata, respectively. In first and second group of farms the nonrenewable form of energy input encompassed 88.45 and 77.93% of the total energy input. With correct adjustment and management of equipments and proper method of operation on the farms might help to increase efficiency of input energy.