Energy and exergy utilization of some agricultural crops in Turkey

Abstract

Energy and exergy analysis gives valuable information to policy maker in order to make the right decision with regard to agricultural policies. In this present study, an investigation was carried out to reveal the energy and exergy consumption of some agricultural crops cultivated in Turkey for the year of 2014. Wheat, corn, cotton, sunflower, potato, and sugar beet are the massively harvested crops in Turkey. Therefore, energy and exergy analysis of these crops were evaluated. The analysis was based on the thermodynamics concept and covers the direct energy usage (i. e. electricity for pumping and diesel fuel for farm machinery) in the agricultural activity. Three different irrigation methods namely, flooding, sprinkler, and drip irrigation were considered. According to the results of the present study, wheat is the most energy and exergy consuming crop and potato is the least energy and exergy consuming crop. In addition to this flooding irrigation method requires the least energy and exergy values. On the other hand, sprinkler irrigation method requires the most energy and exergy values.