Evaluating the sustainability of the mechanized and traditional agroecosystem of Damask rose production based on emergy analysis in Nehbandan

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 University of Zabol

2 Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

3 Unit of Agroecology, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Zabol

10.22034/saps.2023.56810.3050

Abstract

Objectives: Using emergy analysis to assess agroecosystem sustainability helps implement management practices that improve production resilience.
The Damask rose scientifically name as Rosa damascene Mill. from rose family, is cultivated in hot and arid regions of the nation, leading to the economic development of these areas. Thus, this plant must be grown in arid regions. This study examined Damask rose production's mechanized and traditional agroecosystems in Nehbandan, Iran, for sustainability.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Nehbandan, situated in the South Khorasan province, to compare the mechanized and traditional methods of Damask rose production. The study analyzed the inputs' structure and emergy-based indicators in both mechanized and traditional rose production methods.
Results: The study computed the emergy input for the traditional and mechanized Damask rose systems as 7.17E+16 and 5.11E+16 sej/ha/yr, respectively. The emergy yield ratio (EYR), environmental load ratios (ELR & ELR*), and environmental sustainability indices (ESI & ESI*) indicate that the traditional ecosystem exhibits greater ecological efficiency and is more proximate to optimal conditions when compared to the mechanized ecosystem.
Conclusion: Practical solutions in comprehensive management, particularly in soil organic matter protection and loss prevention, can significantly impact the ecological sustainability of the mechanized Damask rose production system. To increase economic stability in the traditional production system, users should improve their technical skills. Environmental load, agricultural ecosystem, emergy analysis, thermodynamic laws, sustainable agriculture.

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JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 January 2025

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