Comparison of the Energy and Economic Balance of Crop Production

Abstract

The article deals with the connection between energy and economic indicators of crop production in the Czech Republic. Herein, a procedure for the determination of energy inputs and outputs from production based on soil-climatic conditions is outlined. For basic arable crops, other possibilities using the production in the energy sector as well as in relation to soil-climatic conditions are evaluated. The article reviews the production and economic parameters of crop production for potential energy use, such as natural production, energy production, electricity and operational profit. The maximum production parameters are achieved by sugar beet and, consequently, maize for silage. Other energy-efficient crops are alfalfa and clover, but with technological problems in processing of existing biogas technologies. The relationship of production results with production conditions shows that energy use of crops is more appropriate in marginal areas, as the margins for energy purposes are approximately constant, while for food purposes in marginal areas, it decreases. The different economic characteristics of crops for food purposes are mainly because of higher quality production in lower areas, which is reflected in the price of production.