Articles
Comparing USDA energy content values for crops with adiabatic calorimetry measurements
Article number
1453_21
Pages
151 – 154
Language
English
Abstract
Energy analysis is a critical method on assessing agricultural systems’ sustainability.
This approach allows the energy efficiency of different crops and agricultural practices to be effectively improved.
The majority of the studies apply energy indicators from databases and literature to calculate yield as energy output.
However, the application of energy coefficients could lead to uncertainties regarding their precision and applicability.
The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of USDA energy values by comparing them with the energy content obtained through experimental measurement.
Samples (edible parts) from 18 vegetable crop species were collected and dried, and their energy content was measured through the adiabatic calorimetry method.
Their calculated energy content (EXPV) was compared with the energy values retrieved from the USDA database (USDAV). The comparisons resulted the equation USDAV = 1.0371EXPV + 4994.2. R2 value was 0.85, presenting a strong correlation between the calculated energy content and the USDA-derived energy values.
The results are presenting a strong correlation and a substantial degree of agreement between the USDA and the experimental energy values.
It is suggested that the USDA energy values are reliable.
However, a slight overestimation of the USDA compared to the experimental measurements is indicated.
These findings confirm the applicability of USDA energy values in energy analysis studies.
This approach allows the energy efficiency of different crops and agricultural practices to be effectively improved.
The majority of the studies apply energy indicators from databases and literature to calculate yield as energy output.
However, the application of energy coefficients could lead to uncertainties regarding their precision and applicability.
The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of USDA energy values by comparing them with the energy content obtained through experimental measurement.
Samples (edible parts) from 18 vegetable crop species were collected and dried, and their energy content was measured through the adiabatic calorimetry method.
Their calculated energy content (EXPV) was compared with the energy values retrieved from the USDA database (USDAV). The comparisons resulted the equation USDAV = 1.0371EXPV + 4994.2. R2 value was 0.85, presenting a strong correlation between the calculated energy content and the USDA-derived energy values.
The results are presenting a strong correlation and a substantial degree of agreement between the USDA and the experimental energy values.
It is suggested that the USDA energy values are reliable.
However, a slight overestimation of the USDA compared to the experimental measurements is indicated.
These findings confirm the applicability of USDA energy values in energy analysis studies.
Authors
D.P. Platis, C.D. Anagnostopoulos, A.P. Mamolos
Keywords
energy analysis, bomb calorimetry, sustainable agriculture, environmental indicators, vegetable crops
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