Document Type : Complete scientific research article
Authors
1
Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of rangeland and watershed management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
2
Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of rangeland and watershed management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
3
Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of agricultural management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
10.22069/ejcp.2026.24019.2707
Abstract
Abstract
Background and objectives: The imperative to conserve natural resources has intensified efforts towards optimizing energy management in agriculture. This study aimed to determine energy indexes, indigenous knowledge related to energy consumption, and economic analysis in the rice farming system of Gilan Province in 2022.
Materials and Methods: The study methodology involved collecting energy data using a semi-structured questionnaire from 30 households and 60 farmers in rice cultivation farms with dimensions of (<0.5, 0.5 to 1, and >1) hectare. The questionnaire encompassed questions regarding energy inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, manure, human labor, and agricultural machinery, as well as outputs including paddy rice and straw. Energy estimation was performed using coefficients and energy indices, including energy efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy, and net energy. The investigation of indigenous knowledge was conducted using an ethnographic approach, involving participatory observation and subsequent analysis through open coding with the aid of MAXQDA 2020 software.
Results: The average total input and output energy in the agricultural ecosystems were approximately 24087.08 and 75001.72 MJ ha-1year-1, respectively. The highest energy inputs were related to water (31%), nitrogen fertilizer (28%), and fuel (14%). Energy productivity and efficiency were 3.11 and 0.11 kg MJ-1, respectively. Also, specific energy was calculated as 9.57 MJ kg-1, and net energy as 50914.64 MJ ha-1 year-1. Renewable and non-renewable energy constituted 17% and 83%, and direct and indirect energy comprised 19% and 81%, respectively. Increasing farm size led to an increase in rice yield and energy indicators, which can be attributed to large-scale farm management. In the economic analysis, the total production value was 662,648,400 Rials ha-1year-1, and the net return was 240,374,610 Rails ha-1year-1. The benefit-cost ratio was 1.57, with the highest production costs associated with labor, seeds, and machinery. The indigenous knowledge of farmers concerning energy consumption in rice cultivation can be categorized into six main themes: land management, water management, organic fertilizer management, seed management, planting, and mechanization.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that rice cultivation in the target region maintains a positive energy and economic balance despite the considerable share of inputs such as water, nitrogen fertilizer, and fuel. Farm size expansion improved yield and energy indicators, underscoring the necessity of integrated and efficient management. To address the challenges of high input consumption, integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technologies is essential. Such an approach, supported by policy interventions and the adoption of efficient technologies, can enhance productivity and promote the long-term sustainability of rice production systems.
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