Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2012

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Plant Science

First Advisor

Peter Sexton

Abstract

lncreasing·energy prices, environmental concerns, and social-political realities related to fossil fuel use make it important for producers to identify points where efficiency can be gained"-and negative impacts minimized. However, litt􀁖e is known about energy use of individual farms as most analyses have been conducted at national or experiment farm levels. Furthermore, no research has been conducted that describes the energy use along a similar agroecological boundary. The objectives of this study were to describe energy use variability and distribution of individual farms among production systems, and identify major areas of energy use and points of leverage for energy conservation at the farmlevel in eastern South Dakota. A survey instrument was developed to obtain information on farm level production practices for the 2010 growing season in an effort to develop estimates of energy use. It was mailed to 1,000 farms in eastern South Dakota that ranged between 500 and 1,500 cropland acres, which straddled the average state cropland acreage. Calculations on total farm energy expenditures, net energy gain, energy intensity, and energy productivity were conducted on the returned surveys. V Response rate was low (6.2%) due to the amount of data and the time required to. complete the survey as well as financial limitations related to survey implementation. Among respondents, nitrogen accounted for the largest share of energy costs in crop production and integrated crop production systems. Nitrogen, with the largest share of energy use on farm, could be reduced through better nutrient management practices and alternative N sources. There is some variability among respondents, suggesting room for research as well as Extension and education efforts to improve on farm energy conservation and efficiency.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Agriculture and energy -- South Dakota
Energy conservation -- South Dakota

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright