Material and Energy Flow Cost Accounting of Sugar Beet Production in Iran: Enhancing Sustainability and Economic Viability

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

3 Sugar Beet Research Department, Safiabad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Dezful, Iran

Abstract

This study evaluates the production of sugar beet in Iran, focusing on material and energy flow costs to identify critical points of high energy consumption and costs to enhance production sustainability. The Material and Energy Flow Cost Accounting (MEFCA) method, in line with ISO 14051 standards, was used for this analysis. Data were collected from sugar beet farms during the 2022-2023 agricultural year, covering all production stages from pre-planting to harvest. One hectare was considered as the functional unit, and all inputs and outputs were assessed based on this unit. The average energy input to sugar beet agro-ecosystems was 52,410 MJ ha-1. Energy losses, due to factors like irrigation water wastage, crop losses, and pesticide use, totaled 102,201 MJ ha-1. In contrast, the positive energy output from the harvested crop was 1,243,200 MJ ha-1. Over 99% of energy losses were linked to sugar beet loss during harvest. Energy indicators, including energy productivity (1.41 kg MJ-1), energy ratio (21.77), net energy (1,088,589 MJ), and specific energy (0.71 kg MJ-1), were calculated. Average production costs amounted to $1,192 ha-1, with a gross production value of $4,651 ha-1, resulting in a net income of $3,458 ha-1 and a benefit-cost ratio of 3.9. Labor costs accounted for the highest share of production expenses. Sugar beet production in Iran remains economically and energetically viable, provided that subsidies for energy carriers and other inputs are maintained. Based on these findings, several strategies to improve sustainability and optimize sugar beet production are suggested, including reducing harvest losses through improved harvesting techniques and advanced machinery, optimizing energy use through efficient irrigation practices, minimizing pesticide application, managing labor costs via automation of specific processes, and investing in research and development to introduce innovative technologies.

Graphical Abstract

Material and Energy Flow Cost Accounting of Sugar Beet Production in Iran: Enhancing Sustainability and Economic Viability

Highlights

  • This study presents an in-depth analysis of the material and energy flow costs associated with sugar beet production in Iran, with a focus on identifying key areas for improvement in terms of energy efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainability.
  • The aim of this study is to evaluate the financial, energy, and environmental aspects of sugar beet cultivation, using the Material and Energy Flow Cost Accounting (MEFCA) method in accordance with ISO 14051 standards.
  • The analysis provides valuable insights into the energy consumption patterns, material flows, and associated costs at various stages of sugar beet production, from pre-planting to harvest.
  • Key findings include the identification of high energy losses during the harvest phase, the major contribution of labor costs to total production expenses, and the overall financial viability of the sector under current subsidy policies.
  • This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices by providing actionable recommendations to optimize energy use, reduce waste, and enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of sugar beet production. The results of this study suggest that improving harvesting techniques, optimizing irrigation practices, and investing in technological innovations can significantly enhance the sustainability of sugar beet production in Iran.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Agrotechniques in Industrial Crops
Volume 5, Issue 3
Agrotechniques in Industrial Crops (Agrotech Ind Crops) (Online ISSN: 2783-2945)
July 2025
Pages 200-217

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