Energy cost analysis of sugar cane production systems: mechanized versus nonmechanized farms

Abstract

The energy cost of sugarcane production for producers from the region of Santo Antônio da Patrulha, RS, Brazil, was estimated. Such producers supply the AGASA (Açúcar Gaucho S.A.) with sugarcane. Mechanized and nonmechanized productions were compared: the first in large farms an the second in small ones. The results are the average of three harvesting times. The mechanized farms used 6,977.4 Mcal more during the agricultural phase of production (17,150.1 Mcal versus 10,172.1 Mcal), and the energy costs of fuel (mainly) and machines are responsible for that difference. The inputs (specially nitrogen) are responsible for great part of energy consumption. Labour, largely used in small farms, increased the energy cost at low proportions.