Improving On-farm Energy Use Efficiency by Optimizing Machinery Operations and Management: A Review

Abstract

The energy use and emissions from direct fossil fuel combustion on-farms to power farm machinery was critically reviewed. Approximately, 15% of agricultural production costs on-farm are energy-related. A potential solution to more sustainable energy use is a shift toward biofuels from renewable resources. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the substitution of diesel oil with biodiesel depends on the feedstock, the inter-esterification process, the storage period, and ambient conditions. In modern tractors, increased fuel use efficiency (or reduced fuel consumption) has been achieved by power/load matching and the use of variable transmission. Engine management systems that are capable of continuously communicating with the engine and transmission to make appropriate adjustments based on inputs received from the tractor allow for quick and precise responses to changing conditions. As a result, maximum efficiency and productivity can be obtained from the tractor operating similarly to the traditional ‘gear-up and throttle-back’ methods of a proficient operator. The future for autonomous tractors is promising, though not new. Electric-powered tractors are near to commercialization or are already commercially available. Hybrid electric driven tractors present some advantages in terms of increased energy use efficiency and functionalities. Increased efficiency can lead to a reduction in diesel fuel consumption and hence, a concurrent decrease in CO2 emission. Where the local electricity supply has a low-carbon emission factor, this can also result in significant emission reductions. Small light-weight robotic equipment can potentially perform functions currently undertaken by tractor-drawn and other heavy equipment with high-fuel consumption, provided field operating capacity was not compromised. However, the size and weight limitations inherent in current harvesting and transport technology mean that soil compaction will still be a problem with robotic units. The robotic operation of medium-scale equipment within a precision-controlled traffic farming environment should offer more feasible and energy-efficient alternatives.