Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 2
BETTER MANAGEMENT CAN IMPROVE THE
EFFICIENCY OF INDIRECT ENERGY
Tanja J. de Koeijer, G.A. Ada Wossink, A. Bert Smit and S. (Bas) R.M.
Janssens
1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter examines whether differences in the efficiency of the use of
indirect energy of Dutch arable farms are attributable to differences in
management. To do so, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to
assess farm-specific efficiency scores for fertilisers — the input most
important for energy conservation in crop farming. Next, using the concept
of strategic management, the quality of fertilisation management was
assessed for a sub-sample of the farms used in the DEA analyses. To assess
the farmers' mission, their major objectives were measured. The quality of
the external analysis was evaluated by questions about the Mineral
Accounting System (MINAS) that will become mandatory for Dutch arable
farms by 2001. The internal analysis was evaluated by comparing farmers'
opinions on shortcomings in their fertilisation management with the
shortcomings indicated by an interactive simulation model. The average
technical efficiency score of indirect energy use at farm level was 61%,
suggesting scope for improvement. Average efficiency scores for
individual crops varied between 33% and 51%. Significant positive
correlations were found with the gross margins realised for winter wheat
and potato, making it interesting for farmers to improve their fertilisation
efficiency. The results indicate that if farmers knew their own farm data
better and were able to incorporate this information into fertilisation
strategy, they could improve their indirect energy efficiency.
One of the prerequisites for reducing energy use is the efficient use
of inputs characterised by relative high energy values. An energy value
covers both direct energy for its production and the additional indirect
energy required for processing and transport of a specific input. In crop
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