Article
Energy Use in Italian Agriculture: Alternatives to Mineral Fertilizers
Biological Agriculture & Horticulture
(1985)
Abstract
The productivity of industrialized agricultural systems is dependent upon fossil fuel energy subsidies. The high cost of fossil energy has prompted considerable research on conservation and alternative energy sources, primarily in the United States and Europe. Little research, however, has been conducted in Italy where the agricultural sector is developing rapidly and fuel costs are exceedingly high. The objectives of this research were l) to determine the regional energy input and efficiency of Italian agriculture, and 2) to suggest alternatives to high energy inputs, in particular, mineral fertilizers. Energy values were determined for each of the 20 regions in Italy The productivity of industrialized agricultural systems is dependent upon fossil fuel energy subsidies. The high cost of fossil energy has prompted considerable research on conservation and alternative energy sources, primarily in the United States and Europe. Little research, however, has been conducted in Italy where the agricultural sector is developing rapidly and fuel costs are exceedingly high. The objectives of this research were l) to determine the regional energy input and efficiency of Italian agriculture, and 2) to suggest alternatives to high energy inputs, in particular, mineral fertilizers. Energy values were determined for each of the 20 regions in Italy using a process analysis approach. The results showed that agriculture in Italy was energy efficient due in part to geographic constraints. In the future, energy efficiency will decline and agricultural chemicals will play an increasingly important role in “modern” Italian agriculture. Not only does this represent a high pecuniary and energy cost, but a potential environmental hazard as well. Alternatives to mineral fertilizer use has been the subject of considerable research in Italy. Agriculturalists need to make greater use of animal and municipal wastes as sources of plant nutrients.
Keywords
- Italian agriculture,
- Fertilizer alternatives
Disciplines
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
DOI
10.1080/01448765.1985.9754436
Citation Information
Gigi M. Berardi. "Energy Use in Italian Agriculture: Alternatives to Mineral Fertilizers" Biological Agriculture & Horticulture Vol. 2 Iss. 3 (1985) p. 231 - 244 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gigi_berardi/41/