Determination of Energy Efficiency in Almond Production According to Variety: A Case Study in Turkey

This study aimed to identify the energy input-output ratios for the 'Ferragnes,' 'Ferraduel,' and 'Lauranne' almond varieties and to perform an economic analysis. The study used data from an almond orchard established on 17.2 ha in Adiyaman province of Turkey from 2014 to 2021. The results revealed that 35,706.0 MJ ha(-1) were used during the establishment period, and 57,663.4 MJ ha(-1) were used during the mature planting period. The energy outputs of 'Ferragnes,' 'Ferraduel,' and 'Lauranne' varieties were 13,651.9, 12,641.1, and 14,801.6 MJ ha(-1) in the establishment period and 45,073.8, 40,566.7, and 70,559.1 MJ ha(-1) in the mature planting period, respectively. Although the energy efficiency varied according to the period and varieties, it was calculated to be between 0.38 and 1.22. The rate of renewable energy for the total consumed energy was 4.62% in the establishment period and 6.52% in the mature planting period. The results of the economic analysis showed that almond cultivation was profitable in all three varieties. Net profit was the highest in the 'Lauranne' variety, at $4785.55 ha(-1), followed by 'Ferragnes' at $2337.73 ha(-1) and 'Ferraduel' at $1870.75 ha(-1). The benefit-cost ratios were 3.05, 2.00, and 1.80, respectively. In this study of a situation in which energy efficiency is low and profitability is high, it is concluded that policies that will maintain current profitability but increase energy efficiency should be put into practice.