Evaluating energy efficiency of site-specific tillage in maize in NE Italy

M. Bertocco, B. Basso, L. Sartori, E. C. Martin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper examine the efficiency of energy use of three conservation tillage practices (SST - sub-soil tillage; MT - minimum tillage; and NT - no tillage) performed within two management zones, previously identified in a field according to the stability of yield variability. Experiments were carried out in 2003 in NE Italy, on a farm near Rovigo, on a 8-ha field with clay soil, in maize (Zea mays, L.). The purpose of the paper is (i) to investigate the energy variability due to these tillage practices performed spatially within two management zones and (ii) to analyze the long-term energetic efficiency for each tillage practice. The energy balance was highest for SST with respect to MT and NT, due to labor and fuel consumption rates. The energy balance was influenced by the spatial pattern of yield, with appreciable differences between practices in terms of both the conversion index of energy for tillage (9.0, 12.6 and 22.8 GJ ha-1 for SST, MT and NT, respectively) and the energy use efficiency for tillage (8.0, 11.6, 21.8 GJ ha-1 for SST, MT and NT, respectively). Based on the simulated data and the calibration results, SALUS model proved to be a good tool for analyzing long-term effects of tillage practices on yield. The NT treatment showed the best efficiency over years, due to the low inputs in comparison with the output level.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6957-6965
Number of pages9
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume99
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Conservation tillage
  • Energy efficiency
  • Maize
  • SALUS
  • Site-specific tillage

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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