An analysis of energy use and input costs for maize production in Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine energy equivalents of inputs and output in maize production in Bursa province. The data in this study were collected from maize farms in Bursa province, Karacabey district. Questionnaires were administered through lace-to-face interview in 2011 Lily, 2011. The results of the study show that fertilizers have the highest rate of energy equivalency of all the inputs used in maize production at 51.47%. The energy equivalent rate of electricity is 20.30% and the energy equivalent rate of fuel is 23.29%. The energy equivalent rates for human power, machinery, chemicals and water for irrigation were determined to be low in maize production. According to the output/input ratio calculated, the energy ratio is 0.76 in maize production in the research area. This ratio implies that the inputs used in maize production have not been used effectively. Ineffective use of these resources also causes environmental problems.