Resumen

ANAYA, Carlos A.  y  BURGOS, Ana Laura. Energy consumption in the management of avocado orchards in Michoacán, Mexico. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2015, vol.21, n.1, pp.5-20. ISSN 2007-4034.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchsh.2014.01.002.

Efficient fossil energy consumption in agricultural systems is a prerequisite for sustainable agricultural production. Fossil energy consumption (EC) in avocado orchard production in Michoacán, Mexico was analyzed. Process analysis was used to estimate both direct and indirect energy required for the various agricultural operations. Data on fuel and inputs used in production were obtained from structured questionnaires completed by 455 growers. Average annual EC was 28,880 MJ∙ha^-1, but the data ranged between 5,330 and 76,531 MJ∙ha^-1, indicating the co-existence of a great diversity of farming systems. EC in agricultural operations decreased in the following order: fertilization (54.4 %), pest control (39.9 %), weed control (5.6 %) and irrigation (0.2 %). EC in fertilization was positively associated with the economic resources of the growers; and according to recognized fertilization standards, nitrogen fertilizer was applied excessively in 64 % of the orchards. EC in pest control was in the high range reported for fruit-tree crops and, on average, it was 41 % higher in exporting orchards than in those that produce only for the domestic market. EC in avocado production can be significantly reduced by improving fertilization and pest control practices, especially among large- and medium-sized growers.

Palabras llave : Persea americana Mill.; crop management; energy use; environmental indicators; fertilization; pest control.

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