An Analysis of Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions in Some Horticultural Crops Seedlings Production in Greenhouse

Abstract

In order to analyze and compare energy consumption and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in some horticultural grafted and non-grafted crops seedlings (watermelon, bell pepper, tomato and eggplant) production. This study was designed and carried out in a greenhouse located in Mohammadshahr, Alborz province of Iran. The results showed that total energy consumption for grafted seedlings of watermelon, bell pepper, tomato, and eggplant were 2753347, 2289304, 2261888, and 1958799 MJ per 1 million seedlings (MS^-1) and for non-grafted types were 415931, 365433.6, 413881.8 and 436663.81 MJ.MS^-1, respectively. Average of cosumed energy for grafted seedling production was 467.64% more than non-grafted type. The inputs of electricity, plastic and natural gas had the largest share in energy consumption in grafted seedlings production with 44.15, 27.08 and 25.26%, and on the other hand, the inputs of natural gas, electricity and plastic had the largest share with 47.98, 35.03 and 8.24%, respectively, in non-grafted seedlings production. The share of consumption of non-renewable energy resources increased from 84.28% for non-grafted seedlings to 96.93% in grafted seedlings due to the greater use of inputs such as plastic and natural gas. The GHG emissions in non-grafted watermelon, bell pepper, tomato, and eggplant seedlings production increased from 21538.61, 19549.72, 21441.77 and 22597.51 Kgco2eq.MS^-1 to 133257.1, 109510.6, 108537.8 and 93891.4 Kgco2eq.MS^-1, respectively. The average of GHG emissions in grafted seedlings production was 422.98% higher than non-grafted type.