Comparative Analysis of Conventional and MFCA Methods for Assessing Energy and Economic Efficiency of Tomato Production in Nahavand County

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

Agriculture, as a major energy consumer, requires innovative approaches to enhance efficiency. This study analyzes the energy and economic aspects of tomato production in Nahavand County using conventional methods and Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA). Negative energy, representing wasted energy in production, was a key indicator in efficiency analysis. Results showed an average energy input of 168,945 MJ per hectare, with a positive output of 208,213 MJ ha-1 and a negative output of 38,888 MJ ha-1. Electricity and chemical fertilizers accounted for 68% and 21% of total energy input, respectively. Findings highlight the importance of considering waste and negative energy. MFCA, incorporating environmental costs and waste, revealed a 19% lower energy efficiency than conventional methods. Moreover, tomato losses, comprising 80% of negative outputs, were the largest energy waste factor. Proposed solutions include modern equipment, precise harvest management, integrated pest and disease management, and smart irrigation technologies. Economic analysis also showed a significant difference in gross return between methods. These results suggest that MFCA is an effective tool for improving efficiency and reducing environmental impacts in agriculture, offering practical strategies for sustainable development. This research provides a basis for informed decision-making in optimizing resource and energy use. Extensive energy subsidies in Iran have reduced incentives for energy efficiency improvements, posing a challenge to sustainability efforts. Addressing this issue requires further research to develop policies that promote optimal energy consumption in agricultural production.

Keywords

Main Subjects

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

 

Introduction

Agricultural systems constitute significant contributors to global energy consumption, both directly and indirectly, exerting considerable influence on environmental sustainability. Within tomato production, energy demands encompass the entire production cycle, extending from pre-planting activities to post-harvest management. Achieving efficient energy utilization is paramount for minimizing input costs and mitigating environmental impacts. However, inefficiencies inherent in conventional agricultural practices often lead to resource wastage and economic losses. Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA), as outlined in ISO 14051 standards, provides a structured framework for identifying and quantifying these inefficiencies. By meticulously evaluating material and energy flows, MFCA facilitates informed decision-making processes aimed at minimizing resource wastage, optimizing input utilization, and enhancing economic viability. This study integrates MFCA with conventional energy and economic analyses to comprehensively investigate energy efficiency and identify cost-saving strategies within the context of tomato production in Nahavand, Hamedan Province, Iran. The findings of this research are anticipated to contribute significantly to the advancement of sustainable agricultural development by effectively addressing inefficiencies and promoting optimal resource utilization.

Purpose

The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of energy consumption and perform a rigorous economic analysis of open field tomato production in Nahavand, Hamedan Province, utilizing both traditional accounting methods and the MFCA framework. This study endeavors to identify critical material flows and their associated costs to uncover potential opportunities for resource optimization, enhance overall productivity, and mitigate environmental impacts. Furthermore, the findings of this research are intended to provide practical and actionable strategies for enhancing energy efficiency and achieving sustainable development goals within the context of tomato production.

Method

The study employs a mixed methodology combining energy analysis, MFCA based on ISO 14051 standards, and economic evaluations. A total of 92 farms were analyzed, determined using Cochran’s sample size formula for statistical representation. The study's boundaries were defined from farm input entry to the output gate (gate-to-gate approach), including seedling preparation. Input and output flows, both positive (e.g., tomato yield) and negative (e.g., waste, emissions), were quantified for four key stages of production: pre-planting, planting, cultivation, and harvesting. Energy coefficients for each input and output were applied using recognized scientific references. Negative outputs such as fertilizer emissions and water losses were estimated using IPCC guidelines, while energy performance indicators and economic metrics were computed using established formulas.

Results

The mean energy input for tomato production was 168,945 MJ/ha, with positive and negative energy outputs recorded at 208,213 MJ/ha and 38,888 MJ/ha, respectively. Electrical energy dominated inputs, contributing approximately 68% (115,168 MJ/ha) of total input energy, followed by chemical fertilizers at 21% (34,665 MJ/ha). Inefficient water pumps, deep wells, and long water transfer distances were primary drivers of high electricity consumption. Negative energy outputs primarily arose from tomato waste (80.3%, 31,234 MJ/ha), nitrate leaching (12.3%, 4,787 MJ/ha), and irrigation water loss (4.5%, 1,760 MJ/ha). Compared to previous studies, the energy inputs per hectare for tomato farming in this region were notably higher, attributed to intensive resource use.

Economic evaluations revealed significant opportunities for cost savings and resource optimization. MFCA identified critical inefficiencies, particularly related to water and fertilizer management. Targeted interventions such as improving irrigation systems, optimizing fertilizer application, and adopting advanced crop management techniques can substantially mitigate resource waste and improve economic viability.

Conclusion

This study unequivocally demonstrates the utility of integrating energy and economic analyses with the MFCA framework to enhance resource efficiency and promote sustainability within the context of tomato production. The results of this research highlight the critical role of electricity and fertilizers as key drivers of input energy consumption. The implementation of effective waste management strategies, such as optimizing harvest timing, employing improved equipment, and providing comprehensive worker training, can significantly reduce production losses. Furthermore, the adoption of integrated water and nutrient management practices will not only decrease energy inputs and mitigate environmental footprints but also ensure enhanced profitability. The insights derived from this study can be effectively utilized by policymakers and agricultural practitioners to promote sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring alignment with global sustainability standards such as ISO 14051. These findings underscore the significant potential of employing systematic approaches to improve resource efficiency, reduce costs, and support the sustainable development of agricultural systems in Iran and beyond.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, M.N. and A.Y.; methodology, M.N. and K.S.; software, M.N.; validation, M.N., K.S. and A.Y.; formal analysis, M.N. and K.S.; investigation, M.N. and K.S.; resources, M.N.; data curation, M.N. and K.S.; writing-original draft preparation, M.N.; writing-review and editing, M.N.; visualization, M.N.; supervision, M.N. and A.Y; project administration, M.N. and A.Y.; funding acquisition, M.N., A.Y. and K.S.

All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Data Availability Statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the University of Zanjan, which contributed significantly to the completion of this study.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of ABCD (Ethical code: IR.UT.RES.2024.500). The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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Iranian Journal of Biosystems Engineering
Volume 55, Issue 4
February 2025
Pages 45-62

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 05 April 2025

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