Energy Budgeting of Integrated Organic Farming System under Irrigated Ecology

Abstract

Efficient energy utilization plays a crucial role in improving the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems, particularly within integrated organic farming frameworks. The present study was conducted during 2023–24 at Centre of Organic Agriculture Research and Training, Dr. PDKV, Akola, to evaluate the energy dynamics of an Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) comprising five interlinked components: crops, vegetables, livestock, vermicomposting and a nutritional garden. Energy inputs and outputs of each component were quantified and expressed in energy equivalents to derive key indices such as energy use efficiency, net energy return, energy profitability and energy productivity. The results indicated considerable variation in energy use patterns among the system components. The livestock component recorded the highest energy input (58,987.12 MJ), primarily due to feed requirements, followed by vegetables (3,733.06 MJ) and crops (2,019.88 MJ). In terms of output, livestock also contributed the highest energy (42,910.20 MJ), followed by crops (24,823.93 MJ) and vegetables (7,840.92 MJ). However, the crop component exhibited superior performance in terms of energy use efficiency (12.39), net energy return (22,804.05 MJ), and energy profitability (11.29). Conversely, livestock and the nutritional garden showed negative net energy returns, indicating relatively higher energy consumption. Energy productivity was highest in the vermicomposting unit (1.21 kg MJ⁻¹), highlighting its efficiency in resource recycling. A substantial proportion of total energy input across the system was derived from renewable sources, reflecting the reduced dependence on non-renewable energy and the sustainability potential of the IOFS under irrigated conditions.