Energy Use in Field Operations - Opportunities for Conservation

In 1976 an agricultural production energy conservation project was initiated by Kansas State University and the University of Nebraska. The main objective of the program was to develop a model fuel conservation program. This paper is a report of the results of the project relating to field operations.

Results indicated that farmers are interested in saving fuel. The farmers who cooperated in collecting fuel consumption data indicated that fuel record keeping made them much more aware of energy costs for individual operations. Practice of currently available energy conservation technology results in significant energy savings. The field demonstrations used were highly successful in showing farmers exactly how to accomplish several conservation techniques.

Industry can have a very important part in solving the energy-food production problem. Increased emphasis on engine efficiency is needed. Emphasis on fuel conservation in instruction manuals and in dealer training needs increased emphasis. Increased instrumentation of tractors is suggested.