Comparison of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Onion (Allium cepa L.) Production Systems in Terms of Energy and Economic Indicators, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Potential (Case Study of Cities in Alborz Province)

This research was done with the aim of checking energy and economic indicators and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the production system of two products, tomato and onion in 2021 and 2022 in Alborz province. The information required for this research was obtained through interviews with farmers and completing questionnaires. The results of this study showed that the highest energy input, energy output, and net energy in onion were obtained in Savojbolagh city at the rate of 21324.8, 105600, and 24275.3 Mj.ha-1, respectively. In tomato, the highest input energy, output energy, and net energy was 73799.8, 56000, and -13495.4 Mj.ha1, respectively (in tomato, net energy is negative due to the greater input energy than output energy). The highest energy efficiency consumption was obtained in onion and tomato, 1.4 and 1.32 respectively. In the comparison of energy efficiency, the highest value in onion and tomato were observed 0.82 and 0.99 Kg.mj-1. Among the various inputs in the onion and tomato production systems, diesel, nitrogen chemical fertilizer, animal manure, irrigation water, gasoline, and manpower had the largest share in input energy in the order of priority. Onion and tomato by producing 3065.8 and 3045.4 kg of CO2 per hectare, played a role in the emissions of greenhouse gases. The analysis of economic indicators also showed that onion with a net income of 9608.7 $.ha-1 compared to tomato with a net income of 4840.3 $.ha-1 has generated more income. According to the obtained results it can be possible that reduce the amount of energy input and greenhouse gas emissions and thus, provide the necessary conditions for the establishment of more sustainable agriculture by modifying production methods such as using modern irrigation methods and also replacing animal and biological fertilizers with chemical fertilizers.