Sustainable Energy Practices in Cabbage Production in Niğde Province of Türkiye

Abstract

Examining the inputs to agricultural production and analyzing their energy implications is a crucial method for assessing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. The agricultural industry utilizes energy in diverse ways, both directly and indirectly, encompassing pesticides, electricity, fertilizers, farm equipment, irrigation systems, fuel, and human labor. This research focused on assessing the agricultural inputs utilized in cabbage cultivation within one of the most cabbage cultivated area in Türkiye, gathering data on these inputs, and identifying the energy efficiency associated with this production process. In the study, information on the overall energy inputs was gathered from numerous white cabbage producers in the Niğde province using the face-to-face survey method, a quantitative research approach. According to the results of the research, the total energy input equivalent in cabbage production was determined as 4407.87 MJ da-1 and the total output value was determined as 6348.60 MJ da-1. The energy productivity was determined as 1.20 and the energy balance as 1940.73 MJ da-1. According to the findings, with 33.4% of diesel oil, 23.81% of fertilizer, and 23.06% of machinery make up the majority of this production's inputs. Also, 89.19% of the total energy inputs in cabbage production determined as non-renewable and 10.79% of them as renewable energy inputs. In conclusion, the inputs are efficiently utilized in cabbage production within the Niğde province of Türkiye.