Department of Economics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar – 608 002, Tamil Nadu.
Abstract
Within this review, the extent to which organic farming can offer a more energy efficient mode of production
was
investigated through a comparison of 50 studies. The results illustrate that for nearly all crop and
livestock types, organic systems use less fossil
-
fuel energy on a unit of land area basis, although results are
more variable per unit of product. In man
y cases the difference can be attributed to the high energy
requirements for the manufacture of nitrogen fertiliser
used
in conventional systems. Lower yields and
higher energy requirements for weed control can make some organic cropping systems perform w
orse.
Higher feed conversion ratios and mortality rates also make some organic livestock systems less efficient
per kilogram of meat produced. Overall the review has found that organic farming systems have the potential
to contribute towards a more energy
efficient agriculture, although this will be at the expense of a lower yield.
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and environment management, environment management, microorganisms, microbes
Environment Information System Centre - microorganims,envis,environment
management, microorganisms, microbes, pollution control, toxic chemicals,
central and offshore ecology, environmentally sound and appropriate technology,
bio-degradation of wastes.
