Energy Analysis of Tomato Production in Open Field and Greenhouse

Introduction
Today, farmers are striving to increase their yields, but many lack the necessary information to analyze energy consumption patterns effectively. Therefore, conducting an energy analysis is essential to provide farm planners and policymakers with a comprehensive overview of energy consumption. Energy input-output analysis is closely linked to agricultural practices, including input quantities, production levels, and environmental factors. The greenhouse industry has been active for several years, but due to a lack of awareness among those involved in the field, many producers struggle to achieve profitable outcomes. Moreover, this oversight can lead to significant environmental harm due to excessive energy consumption at the end of the production process. This research investigates the cultivation of various crop types grown in greenhouses, drawing on studies conducted by other researchers in the field.
Materials and Methods
The energy consumption involved in cultivating tomatoes was compared between field and greenhouse methods. Data was gathered through a questionnaire, which included general information about cultivation types, water resources, product inputs, and machinery used. Direct and indirect energy inputs were classified, and energy indexes were calculated based on this information. Statistical methods were employed to analyze the collected data. To estimate the energy consumed during tomato production, we first identified and measured all inputs and outputs. The energy associated with each input and output was then calculated by using the energy equivalent for each, multiplying it by the amount of input consumed or product produced.
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that total energy consumption for conventional farming systems was 81.73 GJ/ha, while for greenhouse systems it was significantly higher at 89.225 GJ/ha. In conventional systems, the primary energy input was electricity, followed by fertilizer. In contrast, for greenhouse systems, natural gas was the main energy source, with diesel as the second most utilized input. Despite the much higher energy consumption in greenhouse systems, the total income from greenhouse-grown tomatoes was three times greater than that from field-grown tomatoes. A key factor contributing to this higher income is the timing of product sales, as tomatoes from greenhouses are available in autumn, winter, and spring, periods when field tomatoes are scarce in the market.
Conclusion
Firstly, reducing energy consumption in this sector lowers production costs and increases profitability, while also ensuring the production of high-quality products. Secondly, by adopting new methods, we can minimize the inappropriate use of energy in production (such as fossil fuels, water, fertilizers, and pesticides), which often leads to environmental destruction. Ultimately, implementing a greenhouse production system may be a more effective approach for the region. However, it is essential to incorporate innovations such as sustainable energy systems and optimal design parameters for structures and buildings.
The results of this study highlight the inefficiency of energy consumption in tomato cultivation. It was found that farmers do not properly implement the air-pile system in open-air cultivation, leading to inefficient water usage. This issue could be addressed by adopting modern irrigation methods used in the greenhouse sector. Additionally, the amount of fertilizer applied in tomato production is also inefficient. This inefficiency may stem from the inadequate use of chemical fertilizers based on soil tests.
The electricity consumed during the production process in power plants leads to significant environmental challenges, highlighting the need for cleaner and renewable energy sources for electricity generation. Modern techniques, particularly the use of solar energy, can greatly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and natural gas, while also lowering labor costs. Additionally, government support and incentives aimed at developing infrastructure for clean energy can encourage farmers to adopt these technologies. In greenhouse cultivation, the majority of energy usage comes from natural gas, fuel, and electricity. Therefore, promoting intelligent control systems to manage environmental conditions—such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and carbon dioxide levels—can significantly decrease energy consumption in this sector.