Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 160-170 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 162 3 Agricultural Energy Outputs 3.1 Types of energy outputs (crops, livestock, by-products) Agricultural energy outputs encompass a variety of products, including crops, livestock, and by-products. Crops such as wheat, rice, and vegetables are primary energy outputs, providing essential food and bioenergy resources. Livestock, including cattle, poultry, and other farm animals, contribute significantly to energy outputs through meat, milk, and other animal products. By-products, such as crop residues and manure, also play a crucial role in the agricultural energy balance, offering potential for bioenergy production and soil fertility enhancement (Shah and Wu, 2019; Ilahi et al., 2019; Kosemani and Bamgboye, 2020; Moitzi et al., 2021). 3.2 Measuring agricultural productivity and efficiency Measuring agricultural productivity and efficiency involves evaluating the energy inputs and outputs within farming systems. Key metrics include energy use efficiency, net energy gain, and energy productivity. For instance, in wheat production, energy use efficiency and net energy gain are critical indicators, with studies showing values of 1.4MJ kg-1 and 13 836.07 MJ ha-1, respectively (Ilahi et al., 2019). Similarly, energy input-output analysis in rice production reveals significant differences in energy efficiency across farm sizes, with larger farms demonstrating better energy management and higher energy ratios (Kosemani and Bamgboye, 2020). These measurements help identify areas for optimization and sustainable practices in agriculture (Ilahi et al., 2019; Kosemani and Bamgboye, 2020; Khanali et al., 2021). 3.3 Energy output trends and challenges Recent trends in agricultural energy outputs highlight the increasing importance of optimizing energy use to enhance productivity and sustainability. For example, the use of cover crops and no-till practices in Mediterranean organic cropping systems has been shown to improve energy outputs without compromising energy consumption (Montemurro et al., 2020). However, challenges such as the high energy demand for fertilizers and fuel, as seen in walnut and wheat production, underscore the need for more efficient energy management strategies (Ilahi et al., 2019; Khanali et al., 2021) (Figure 1). Additionally, urban agriculture, while highly productive, faces challenges in balancing input costs and sustainability, necessitating careful management of resources to achieve high yields (McDougall et al., 2018). Addressing these challenges through innovative practices and technologies is essential for sustainable agricultural development (McDougall et al., 2018; Shah and Wu, 2019; Montemurro et al., 2020). Ilahi et al. (2019) illustrates the proportion of energy savings from different inputs in sustainable wheat production. Fertilizer constitutes the largest share at 57%, highlighting its significant impact on energy consumption. Diesel fuel (10%), machinery (9%), and electricity (7%) also contribute notable portions to energy savings. Other inputs like seed (6%), human labor (1%), and weedicides (5%) contribute smaller percentages, indicating that these resources are being efficiently utilized. The funnel diagram emphasizes the integration of economic, environmental, and social indicators to achieve sustainable wheat production. The study underscores the importance of optimizing fertilizer and diesel fuel usage to enhance sustainability. The findings align with previous studies on paddy and soybean production, confirming the critical role of fertilizers and fuel in energy savings. This comprehensive approach ensures a balanced and sustainable agricultural practice that benefits the economy, environment, and society. 4 Optimization Strategies for Balancing Energy Inputs and Outputs 4.1 Precision agriculture technologies 4.1.1 GPS and GIS technology Precision agriculture technologies, such as GPS and GIS, play a crucial role in optimizing resource use and improving crop management. These technologies provide detailed information on crop growth, soil variability, and nutrient levels, enabling site-specific management practices that enhance productivity and sustainability. For instance, the integration of GPS and GIS tools allows for precise mapping and monitoring of crops, soil, and weather conditions, which can significantly improve resource use efficiency and reduce environmental impact (Onyango et al., 2021; Sharma and Srushtideep, 2022; Prabha and Pathak, 2023).
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