Energy Balance and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Cherry Production in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the energy use efficiency (EUE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in cherry production in Kırklareli province of Turkey. It is also aimed to increase the EUE and reduce GHG emission. Furthermore, this comprehensive study conducted in Kırklareli province of Turkey will contribute to the literature. Observation, survey and data calculations are from the 2020–2021 season. Data provided in the study were acquired from 50 (reachable) farms by conducting face-to-face surveys with complete count method in 2022. This study included calculations of energy input (EI), energy output (EO), EUE, specific energy (SE), energy productivity (EP), net energy (NE), EI types, GHG emission and GHG ratio. EI and EO were calculated as 14,934.30 MJ/ha and 14,234.67 MJ/ha, respectively. Among all the energy inputs, the greatest share belong to chemical fertilisers by 34.49%. EUE, SE, EP and NE were calculated as 0.95, 3.07 MJ/kg, 0.33 kg/MJ and −699.62 MJ/ha, respectively. The consumed total EI in production has been classified as 52.94% direct energy (DE), 47.06% indirect energy (IDE), 45.94% renewable energy (RE) and 54.06% non-renewable (NRE). Total GHG emissions and GHG ratio were calculated as 295.48 kgCO2-eq/ha and 0.06 kgCO2-eq/kg, respectively. Increasing the ratio of RE by using farmyard manure and organic manure rather than chemical fertilisers is important to increase the EUE and reduce GHG emission levels. In order to reduce emission quantities, it is necessary to increase the use of RE inputs. These proposals considered in cherry production can increase EUE and reduce GHG emission.