Evaluation of Fuel Consumption in Wheat Fields in Gorgan

Rajabi,, Mohammad Hossein; Soltani,, Afshin; Vhidnia,, Bita; Zeinali, Ebrahim; Soltani, Elias

Evaluation of Fuel Consumption in Wheat Fields in Gorgan

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ M.Sc Student, Agronomy, Islamic Azad University, Bojnord Branch, Bojnord, Iran,

² Professor, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

³ Expert, Iranian Fuel Conservation Company, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

Abstract

With regard to the careless consumption of fossil fuels in Iran and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions and related risks to the environment and human health, many attempts are being undertaken to try to control this consumption. The agricultural sector is no exception to this vital and important issue. The objectives of this research were: (1) to determine amount of fuel consumption and related energy use in wheat fields in Gorgan Province, (2) to estimate the environmental impact of the consumed fuel using global warming potential (GWP), and (3) to explore options to optimize fuel consumption. Data were gathered from six representative fields by monitoring production practices and inputs used. Data were analyzed with regard to fuel consumption, energy inputs related to fuel consumed and greenhouse gas emissions from the consumed fossil fuels. Fuel ranged between 53 to 123 L ha-1 and the energy from the consumed fuel varied between 2026 to 4664 MJ ha-1. Results indicated that seedbed preparation had the highest rate of fuel consumption (59.5 % of total) followed by harvesting, irrigation and sowing operations at 10.5, 9.4 and 8.1 %, respectively. The average of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, CH4 and N2O) from the consumed fossil fuels was estimated at 244 kg equivalent CO2 ha-1. It was concluded that through better farm management and more research it is possible to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

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