Energy use analysis for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production in the mechanized rain fed schemes eastern Sudan

The objectives of this study were to analyze energy input-output and to identify the energy use patterns for sunflower production in the mechanized rain fed agricultural schemes eastern Sudan. The results revealed that the total energy input used to produce sunflower was 1671.33 MJ ha-1 and the total energy output was 11882.83 MJ ha-1. Sunflower production was efficient in energy consumption. The result showed that the energy ratio of output to input was greater than seven. The results indicated that the average net energy, the energy productivity and the specific energy was 10211.5 MJ ha-1, 0.28 kg. MJ-1 and 3.52 MJ kg -1, respectively. Fuel energy input was the highest among the energy input items while hand labor energy input was lower. These results indicate the dependence of sunflower production in rain fed agricultural schemes eastern Sudan on machinery. This necessitated the availability and readiness of the relevant and appropriate machineries as well as sufficient amount of fuel. The results also revealed that the energy profitability was 6.11 and human energy profitability was 1165.83 MJ h-1.The direct energy input was greater than the indirect energy input. Similarly, non-renewable energy was much greater than renewable energy. The established information is useful to manage and to sustain the productivity of sunflower crop in the mechanized rain fed schemes eastern Sudan