THE EFFECTS OF SEEDING RATE, MINERAL FERTILIZATION AND A GROWTH REGULATOR ON THE ECONOMIC AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF DURUM WHEAT PRODUCTION

摘要

Background. The effects of agrotechnical factors have an influence on a major portion of total operational and non-operational energy inputs. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of various agronomic factors on the economic and energy efficiency of Triticum durum L. production. Material and methods. The analyzed factors in the production of durum wheat were mineral fertilization rates (0, 80 and 120 kg N·ha-1), seeding rate (350, 450 and 550 kernels·m-2) and the application of a growth regulator. Total energy consumption was calculated for the evaluated technologies of spring durum wheat production, including nitrogen fertilization, plant protection, agricultural machinery, transport and the associated operations.Results. The value of wheat grain production was highest at 2227.86 USD·ha-1 in the production technology with a fertilizer application rate of 120 kg·ha-1 N and a seeding rate of 550 kernels·m-2. This variant was also characterized by the highest production costs of 1017.17 USD·ha-1. The economic efficiency (cost-benefit ratio) was highest (2.32) in the production technology with a fertilizer rate of 120 kg·ha-1 and a seeding rate of 350 kernels·m-2. The energy efficiency ratio was highest in the unfertilized treatment with a seeding rate of 350 kernels·m-2. This technology was characterized by the highest energy efficiency both when  the energy value of grain (5.62) and the energy value of grain and straw (8.40) were taken into account. Conclusion. The production technology with a fertilization rate of 120 kg?ha-1 and a seeding rate of 550 kernels·m-2 generated the highest profits. Technology with a fertilization rate of 120 kg?ha-1 and a seeding rate of 550 kernels·m-2 had the highest energy inputs (22.60 GJ?ha-1). The cost-benefit ratio was highest in the production technology with a fertilization rate of 120 kg?ha-1 and a seeding rate of 350 kernels·m-2.  Energy gain was highest in the production technology with a fertilization rate of 120 kg?ha-1 and a seeding rate of 550 kernels·m-2 at 82.88 (grain) and 137.03 (grain + straw) GJ?ha-1.