Energy Input in the Production of Cassava

Abstract

Energy is one of the largest components of the production cost in Agricultural activities. The efficiency of its use will often be compromised in favour of other equally important factors. Data were collected in 10 cassava farms by using face to face questionnaire method to determine the energy input in cassava production. Mathematical expressions were used to evaluate the energy requirement for each of the defined unit operations. Energy requirement in land preparation, planting, crop maintenance (fertilization and weed control) and harvesting were determined. It was observed that 78.67% of the total energy input used in cassava production was indirect, while 21.33% was direct. The average energy input in the production of cassava was 8571.26 MJ/ha, while 9960.00 kg was the average yield obtainable per hectare. Energy input in fertilizer was the highest with 64.0% of the total energy input; followed by diesel fuel with 19.50%. The net energy and energy productivity value were estimated to be 46,655.77 MJ/ha and 1.18 MJ/kg respectively. The ratio of energy output to energy input was 7.1.