Investigation of environmental impacts in sugar beet production and the effect of production inputs on yield and profit to cost ratio

Assessment of energy and environmental pollutants of production process is important in terms of providing solutions to reduce energy consumption and emissions. The purpose of this study was to investigate and predict the yield and profit to cost ratio and environmental effects in sugar beet production to improve energy consumption and reduce global warming. The Cobb-Douglas model was used to investigate the effect of inputs on performance and profit-to-cost ratio. Environmental impact assessment was performed using Simapro software based on CML2 baseline2000 method. The required data were collected through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with sugar beet growers in Khorasan Razavi, Fars, Khuzestan and Isfahan Provinces. The results showed that with a one percent increase in manpower inputs, diesel fuel, chemical fertilizers, electricity and seeds, the yield was increased or decreased 1.84, -0.59, -0.19, 0.13 and 0.39 percent, respectively. With a one percent increase in the costs of machinery, chemical fertilizers and seeds, 0.23, -0.39 and 0.98 percent were increased or decreased in terms of profit to cost, respectively. Fertilizers and chemical toxins (more than 90%) have the greatest effects on organic matter depletion and open water toxicity. Electricity consumption was also more than 20% effective in reducing inorganic matter and ozone depletion. The effects of open water poisoning and depletion of organic matter had the greatest environmental impact. The total emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere was 745.79 kg .ha-1. Analysis of soil parameters and proper management of agricultural machinery use can minimize energy consumption and environmental pollutants from production.