ENERGY-REQUIREMENTS FOR COTTON PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL GREECE

The energy sequestered in cotton production as practised by farmers in central Greece, wascalculated to examine means of reducing energy inputs and securing greater efficiency in energy use. It is necessary not to reduce profitability. Energy was calculated from the unit operations involved and the machinery, chemicals and other inputs used with appropriate energy equivalents. Total sequestered energy was calculated to be 82 600 MJ/ha with irrigation and fertilizers asmajor inputs. Cotton yield was 1024 kg/ha lint and 2176 kg/ha seed. Energy productivity, intensity and efficiency were calculated and the importance of each input is discussed. A reduced energy production system was established based on reduced irrigation and fertilizer inputs and on better machinery management. With this system, savings in energy of 11 500 MJ/ha (about 14% of sequestered energy) may be achievable, without yield losses. © 1991 Silsoe Research Institute.