Energy Optimization Through Data Envelopment Analysis for Tomato Cultivation in Different Tillage Systems Under Resource Conservation Technology

Abstract

India is the second largest producer of tomatoes in terms of production as well as area of cultivation. For sustainability, farm-level energy optimisation is required to achieve resource conservation. This study was conducted to find proper input calibration regarding energy balance using data envelopment analysis (DEA) with the help of CCR and BCC models to find an optimum system(s) under different tillage treatments. Average energy input was lowest zero tillage (114420 MJ ha⁻¹). Energy use efficiency was higher in zero tillage (1.43) compared to conventional (1.25) and reduced tillage (1.41). According to the CCR-I and BCC-I models, 21% of decision-making units (DMUs) and 58.33% of DMUs used energy efficiently, with a technical efficiency score 1.00. Inefficiencies were primarily due to intensive machinery and fuel use, over-irrigation, and excessive fertiliser or chemical application. In zero tillage, the percentage of energy saved in fuel, fertiliser, and water use were about 36, 24 and 23, respectively. Under conventional tillage, drip irrigation with 50% moisture depletion (MD) and 100% nutrient residue (N-R) combination; under reduce tillage, 60% MD with 100/75/50% N-R or only 100% nutrient combination or 40% M-D with 100/50% NR combination; under zero tillage, 40% MD with 100/75/50% N-R combinations were efficient treatments which the farmers might adopt.