A comparison of the energy consumption of rainfed durum wheat under different management scenarios in southern Italy

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2013-11, Vol.61, p.308-318
• Main Authors: Alhajj Ali, Salem, Tedone, Luigi, De Mastro, Giuseppe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; conservation tillage; conventional tillage; diesel fuel; Durum wheat; Energy; Energy consumption; energy efficiency; Energy indices; Energy management; energy requirements; Exact sciences and technology; grain yield; Management; Management system; nitrogen; Nitrogen fertilizer; nitrogen fertilizers; Productivity; reduced tillage; Tillage; Triticum aestivum; Wheat
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2013.08.028

An energy consumption analysis comparing 12 management scenarios of durum wheat grown in southern Italy was carried out in order to identify the most energy efficient system with regard to productivity. The results showed that yield parameters were significantly affected by the tillage system and revealed that conservation tillage entailed the fewest field operations and lowest energy requirements with higher yield. Nitrogen rates had slight effects on yield parameters, whereas a linear relationship was found between increasing energy input and increasing nitrogen fertilizer. The highest proportion of energy input came from diesel fuel, followed by nitrogen fertilizer. Total input energy used per hectare increased with the increase in management intensity. However, per 1 kg of grain, energy intensity was directly linked to grain yield. The lowest average of 1.8 MJ kg−1 was for conservation tillage, followed by intensive tillage with 2.9 MJ kg−1, whereas reduced tillage was the most energy intense with 3.1 MJ kg−1. Conservation tillage of durum wheat in southern Italy can be used to maintain or increase productivity with only a minimum energy input. •Twelve management scenarios of durum wheat have been tested in southern Italy.•This work attempt to identify the most energy efficient scenario of durum wheat.•Results can help reducing reliance on fossil fuel while maintaining productivity.•Grain yield didn't compensate the higher energy used in intensive input scenarios.•Conservation tillage resulted in higher yield with lower energy inputs.