Energy Input-Output Analysis for Production of Selected Crops in the Central Clay Vertisols of Gezira Agricultural Scheme (Sudan)

The main objective of this study was to analyze the energy input, energy output and energy output/input ratio of three selected crops viz, sorghum, wheat and cotton in Gezira agricultural scheme of Sudan during five growing seasons. The results showed that the total energy expenditures (input) were 12.64 GJ/ha, 18.52 GJ/ha and 18.72 GJ/ha, while the total energy outputs were 95.59 GJ/ha, 127.90 GJ/ha and 20.51 GJ/ha for sorghum, wheat and cotton respectively. Fertilizer application was the most energy consuming field operation for the three crops. It was about 52 - 68 % of total energy inputs. Energy output/input ratios varied from 6.2-8.4 for sorghum, 5.9-7.4 for wheat and 0.9-1.2 for cotton. Linear relationship was found between crop production and energy output/input ratios with high correlations (R2 = 0.97 - 99) for the three crops.