Energy input-output modeling and sensitivity analysis for on-farm mechanically paddy straw bales formation

The paddy straw was collected in the form of bales with three mechanical process C-I (stubble shaver + rectangular baler), C-II (stubble shaver + rake + rectangular baler), and C-III (stubble shaver + round baler) and straw yield prediction modelling and sensitivity analysis based on input and output energy is investigated using the Cobb-Douglas production function and marginal physical productivity (MPP) method. For each process, model I is divided into direct and indirect energies and model II consisted of renewable and non-renewable energies sources. The MPP value of direct, indirect, renewable and non-renewable energy sources was found to be 1.79, 1.38, - 10.57, and 1.36; 1.77, 3.32, 6.03, and 1.87; 5.86, 2.31, - 4.69, and 6.01 for C-I, C-II and C-III,C- respectively. Model I was more sensitive towards direct energy, whereas model II was sensitive towards non-renewable energy sources in each process. For C-III, the return to scale was increasing, but for C-I and C-II, it was declining. The contribution of direct and non-renewable energy sources was fairly dominating over indirect and renewable energy sources for each selected process. The maximum energy productivity and minimum specific energy were observed in C-I whereas maximum net energy gain was observed in C-II. The GHG emission was minimum in C-II for the baler machine as compared to C-I and C-III. The results of the study will aid academics and policymakers in optimising energy inputs to increase output energy while reducing pollution by avoiding the burning of paddy straw.

Automated summary

This study investigates the collection of paddy straw using three different mechanical processes and analyzes the prediction and sensitivity of straw yield based on input and output energy. The results provide valuable insights for academics and policymakers to optimize energy inputs, increase output energy, and reduce pollution.