Energy analysis and agriculture: an application to US Corn Production
Changes in farming technology have increased the amount and cost of energy used in crop production, raising the question of whether energy efficiency in agriculture has remained constant, decreased, or increased. Despite some studies to the contrary, the authors assert that all essential energy used, both directly and indirectly, in US corn farming has remained constant in relation to crop production during the past two decades. Using a detailed process of energy analysis that takes into account various management and technological changes, they trace and quantify the energy cost of corn production from 1945-1947 and forecast its changes through 1984. They conclude that the energy efficiency of corn farming has not declined, and find that future technological and process improvements, led by conservation measures, will likely increase its energy efficiency in the 1980s. 39 references, 33 figures, 88 tables.
- OSTI ID:
- 6640824
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Agricultural Industry Advanced Vehicle Technology: Benchmark Study for Reduction in Petroleum Use
Western Kentucky University Research Foundation Biodiesel Project
Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
AGRICULTURE
ENERGY ANALYSIS
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
CROPS
FORECASTING
MAIZE
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
CEREALS
EFFICIENCY
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
INDUSTRY
PLANTS
290100* - Energy Planning & Policy- Energy Analysis & Modeling
291000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Conservation