Energy-efficient management practices
Different agricultural operations employ different
forms of energy. Tillage operations are highly energy-intensive; heavy tillage
operations not only require higher fossil fuels but also result in damage to
soil structures causing loss of soil organic carbon and plant nutrients. The
farming practices such as conservation tillage involving zero-, minimum- and
mulch-tillage are considered energy-efficient farm operations. Similarly, the
use of non-conventional energy operated farm machinery such as solar operated machinery
involved for pumping water, spraying pesticides, etc. can be used as energy-saving technology. Other resource
conservation technologies viz.,
permanent raised beds, residue management, etc.
are also practiced to conserve energy and to increase energy use efficiency. Most
of these technologies are both energy as well as carbon efficient