Extensive vs. intensive sugar beet production: Energy and environmental performance in Hamadan, Iran (a fuzzy clustering approach)

Abstract

A substantial body of research indicates that extensive farming systems can offer various benefits compared to intensive systems. However, it is important to note that extensive systems may also have certain environmental drawbacks that could potentially exceed those of intensive systems. The central question is which farming systems demonstrate superior energy and environmental performance. This study examines the environmental implications of extensive and intensive sugar beet production systems in Hamadan Province, Iran, with a focus on the role of energy intensity. A random sample of 88 sugar beet farms was selected for data collection. To differentiate between extensive and intensive sugar beet farms, a c-means fuzzy clustering model was employed to cluster farms based on their energy inputs. The extensive farming system (Cluster I) exhibited lower energy consumption, higher energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impacts compared to the intensive farming system (Cluster II). These results highlight the potential of adopting more sustainable practices, such as improved irrigation management and reduced reliance on chemical inputs, to enhance the environmental performance of sugar beet production. This study provides valuable insights into the energy and environmental implications of sugar beet cultivation in Iran. The findings underscore the need for a shift towards more sustainable farming practices to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure the long-term viability of the agricultural sector. This study successfully employed c-means fuzzy clustering to optimize energy consumption in sugar beet cultivation, thereby enhancing energy and environmental performance.