Energy bill and CO2 emissions of Corn (Zea mays) Under Present Production Systems of Samar, Philippines
Archie B. Lauderes

Northwest Samar State University
Philippines
archiebaclayon[at]yahoo.com

Abstract

Food shortages and starvation are among the important issues faced by the Philippines. Low production in rice is usually encountered by many farmers due to the reduction of production areas, incidence of pest and diseases, soil degradation in terms of fertility and acidity and climate change. As the world population continues to expand, greater pressure on resources essential for food production, including fossil energy. Hence, quest for additional calorie food sources that will require less energy and less water are needed. Data were gathered using formal survey questionnaire to account the energy bill, CO2 emissions, energy efficiency and identify the high consuming practices in all production stages of corn. Under the present farming conditions of Samar, the energy audit analyses showed that a hectare of corn consumed 2,822.43 Mcal or 247.28 LDOE. This translated to 1,880 Mcal or 160 LDOE to produce a ton of milled corn or 1.88 Mcal or 0.16 LDOE to produce a kilogram of milled corn. Hence it could be an additional calorie food source since it requires less water compared to rice that will grow even planted in hilly lands. In addition, the energy audit analyses showed that a hectare of corn emitted 978.12 kg of CO2 which is lower emission than rice.

Keywords: energy balance/efficiency; LDOE; energy use; CO2 Emissions

Topic: WASTE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Link: https://ifory.id/abstract-plain/Bpbe9vxRGQUA

Web Format | Corresponding Author (Archie Baclayon Lauderes)