Publication: Energy Use and Consumption Patterns of Maize Cultivation - A Case Study in Thailand
Issued Date
2021
Resource Type
Language
eng
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies Mahidol University
Bibliographic Citation
Environment and Natural Resources Journal. Vol. 19, No. 6 (Nov-Dec 2021), 435-448
Suggested Citation
Sirikarn Thongmai, Thanakrit Neamhom, Withida Patthanaissaranukool, Supawadee Polprasert Energy Use and Consumption Patterns of Maize Cultivation - A Case Study in Thailand. Environment and Natural Resources Journal. Vol. 19, No. 6 (Nov-Dec 2021), 435-448. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/63930
Research Projects
Organizational Units
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Thesis
Title
Energy Use and Consumption Patterns of Maize Cultivation - A Case Study in Thailand
Abstract
This study explored energy inputs and consumption patterns to determine energy and economical indices for maize cultivation in Thailand. To assess the energy performance of four used cropping systems, namely, highland cultivation in wet season (HLWS), highland cultivation in dry season (HLDS), plains cultivation in wet season (PLWS), and plains cultivation in dry season (PLDS), data from energy consumed and produced show Net Energy Value (NEV) gains of +77.0, +106.5, +191.6, and +228.5 GJ/ha, respectively. Positive signs indicate that the required energy was less than energy produced which reveals sustainability. Use of fertilizer accounted for the major input energy in all systems, followed by fossil fuels, human labor and seeds. A cost performance analysis demonstrated PLDS production exhibited the highest profit earnings (1,365.2 USD/ha). To establish an alternative way to reduce the amount of energy consumed together with increased profit returns to farmers, the renewable energy from waste manure was used to replace dependence on chemical fertilizers. Scenarios using manure from cows, chickens, and farmyards were considered. Results showed that the use of farmyard manure created greater amounts of energy efficiency and economical return rates. Moreover, the benefits increased with increased amounts of organic material applied.
