Investigating the Energy Consumption and Environmental Pollutants of Pumpkin Production (Case Study: Boroujerd County)

In this study, the energy consumption and environmental effects of pumpkin production in Boroujerd county have been investigated. To evaluate energy in pumpkin production, energy ratio (ER), energy productivity (EP), energy intensity (EI) and net energy gain (NEG) indices were obtained. The values ​​of 1.6, 2.1 kg.MJ-1, 0.4 MJ.kg-1, 10,952 MJ.ha-1 were obtained, respectively. The results showed total input and output energy was 16,191 and 27,143 MJ.ha-1, respectively. Chemical fertilizers and diesel fuel had the highest energy consumption among the inputs. Environmental effects were assessed with a life cycle approach using the CML model. Nitrogen fertilizer with 48% in acidification and pesticides with 90% in global warming accounted for the highest share of these impact categories. It is suggested that the use of fertilizers and chemical pesticides be managed by educating farmers to save energy, economic and environmental benefits.