Energy use analyses in Iranian wheat project

The study attempts to analyze the energy input-output relationship during Iranian wheat project from 1990 to 2005. The main sources of evidence for this investigation were obtained from the related companies and different departments of Iran Ministry of Jihad–e–Agriculture including Library. Findings revealed that total energy inputs and output have increased from 26503.5 and 20871.5 MJ ha-1 in 1990 to 35466.3 and 30259.8 MJ ha-1 in 2005, indicating a 25.27 and 31.03% increase, respectively. Averagely data collection (under both irrigated and dryland conditions), diesel had the highest share, of 37.08%, followed by electricity (21.23%), chemical fertilizers (20.21%), water (8.39%), seed (7.94%), machinery (2.33%) and human labor (2.18%), respectively. There was a significant increase in electricity usage (about 74% increase), and an associated decrease in the diesel usage (about 34% decrease) during 1990-2005 period because electric pumps replaced diesel pumps. Chemical fertilizers rose from 4353.25 to 8659.80 MJ ha-1. In the studied period, the share of nitrogen and potassium in the total fertilizer energy input increased from 72.00 to 84.79% and from 0.00 to 0.65%, respectively, while the share of phosphorus shrunk from 28.31 to 14.56%. There were not significant changes regarding the human labor and machinery annually and seedbed preparation required the maximum energy, followed by harvesting. Pesticides increased extensively in the last year under study, particularly in case of herbicides, and of which 2,4-D/MCPA and Clodinafop-propargyl had the highest share. Values of energy use efficiency (0.70-1.00), specific energy (14.70-21.04 MJ kg-1) and energy productivity (0.05-0.07 kg MJ-1) showed an intensive use of inputs not accompanied by increase in output during wheat project. Most of the total energy inputs were supplied in the non-renewable and direct forms. Also, regression analysis indicated the impact of indirect and non-renewable energy on output was statistically significant.