Abstract

PANEQUE-RONDON, Pedro et al. Comparison of Energy Cost in Corn Cultivation with Conventional and Conservation Agriculture Systems. Rev Cie Téc Agr [online]. 2017, vol.26, n.3, pp. 58-70. ISSN 2071-0054.

The objective of the research was to compare the energy cost of the main mechanized agricultural operations, emphasizing the tillage/seeding and quantify their possible saving using the Conservation System (no till with cover), in relation to the Conventional System, starting from the hypothesis that it is possible to reduce the energy cost by more than 10% in agricultural machinery operation in corn (Zea mays L.),) cultivation of Los Riecitos Company in Freites Municipality, Anzoátegui State. In the experimental design, an analysis of variance was used to determine the existence of significant differences or not between the population means of each variable and the treatments applied. For the determination of energy and operating cost, the program “Energy and Operation Costs” was used. Bulk density, moisture and soil resistance, as well as fuel consumption, energy costs and operating costs were studied in each experimental unit. It is concluded that there are no significant differences in bulk density, moisture and soil resistance in the studied depths. Physical-mechanical characteristics of the tested plots of soils do not interfere in the application of the treatments. The system with the lowest energy cost, operating costs and fuel consumption, with an average value of 28.9 L•ha^-1, was that of Conservation. The technology used in the Conservation System meant a saving of labor, by investing less time (4 h•ha^-1) of machinery use

Keywords : no till with cover; mechanized operations.

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