The impact of NPK fertilizers on the yield and energy efficiency of sugar beet and soybean production

Abstract

Agricultural production is of a great importance for the human population being the major source of food for the population of the planet, whose number is increasing daily. The objectives of this study are the evaluation of the energy embodied in the process of fertilizer application in the sugar beet and soybean production and identification of the energy input-output relation. Data from three production season were collected and analysed. In the case of both cultures results show that the highest share in total energy consumption has the energy input through the application of fertilizers. The nitrogen content in total energy consumption in sugar beet production was 51.89%, 38.44% and 31.83%; phosphorus was 1.77%, 3.66% and 4.18%; potassium was 3.09%, 5.24% and 2.87%. In soybean production the nitrogen content in the energy balance through the seasons was 37.86%, 39.55% and 39.38%; phosphorus was used in first and last season, with content of 4.69% and 3.46%; potassium was used in second agricultural year with the content of 2.30%. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that the use of fertilizers is very important for the sustainability of agricultural production and that it must be balanced concerning the negative impact of excessive amounts on the both production economy and ecology.