| | Conserving energy isn't just about adopting new innovations. "Many proven ways to conserve energy can play a vital role in keeping your farm's energy costs down," says Murray Green, farm machinery engineer for Alberta agriculture. "Even in crop production, early planting takes advantage of the greater amount of energy available from the sun at harvest, particularly if commodities are dried or aerated." And some measures that reduce energy costs also help other aspects of your operation, from conserving soil andsoil moisture to prolonging equipment life.
Here are a few examples of options to trim energy inputs and some recent publications where you can find more information.
Field equipment
The April 2001 issue of AgTech Center Innovator has many practical tips to lower fuel consumption by field equipment. For example:
- Tillage system: The most effective way to reduce fuel costs for tillage is to till less. Reduced tillage offers other benefits such as increased crop yields (depending on the soil zone and weather),soil moisture conservation and reduced time in the field.
- Tractor fuel efficiency: Some ways to improve fuel efficiency are: maintaining tires at the lowest correct pressure for the load the tires are carrying; using the right fuel for the season; and performing regular maintenance. Fuel-saving measures can also prolong the life of the tractor
For more information, see the AgTech Center Innovator (go to <http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/> then click on Newsletters", then "AgTech Center Innovator") or call the AgTech Centre at 403-329-1212.
Irrigation systems
Alberta Agriculture's Irrigation Branch has an upcoming factsheet called Strategies for Lowering Irrigation Energy costs. The factsheet provides ideas on equipment selection and maintenance, and water management to minimize energy costs for pumping water. For instance:
- Engine efficiency: Perform regular maintenance, adjustments and tune-ups of the engine or motor that drives the pump.
- Sprinkler system efficiency: Inspect the system regularly. Make needed minor repairs such as stopping leaks, replacing worn nozzles, and trimming the impeller.
- Irrigation scheduling: Knowing when to irrigate and the amount of water required by the crop, will result in better crops yields and less water lost to deep percolation and runoff.
For assistance with analyzing your own system, contact your local irrigation specialist (at the Alberta Agriculture district offices in Bow Island, Brooks, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Taber and Strathmore).
Livestock buildings
The Prairie Swine Centre Inc.'s publication called Energy Efficiency in Hog Barns – Part 1 ( available at
<http://adminsrv.usask.ca/psci/energy.htm> ) is aimed at hog barns, but some of the practices apply to any livestock barn. Examples of ways to enhance energy efficiency include:
- Barn maintenance: Clean and adjust fans, motors, shutters, thermostats and controllers several times a year.
- Lighting: Converting from incandescent to fluorescent lights canlead to substantial savings.
- Manure volume:You can reduce the amount of manure that must be removed from the hog barn by adjusting the ration through reducing crude protein levels, feeding pellets rather than meal, and feeding enzymes.
For information on reducing energy use in your own livestock facilities, contact Robert Borg of Alberta Agriculture at 403-340-5323.
Greenhouses
Muhammad Younus of Alberta Agriculture says greenhouse heating costs can have a major effect on the livelihood of greenhouse growers. He has some energy-saving tips:
- Building maintenance: To keep the heat in, make sure your greenhouse is well insulated and well sealed.
- Furnace maintenance: Keep your furnace well maintained and operating efficiently.
- Night temperatures: Reduce the temperature of the greenhouse, generally by about one degree, during the night.
A binder on greenhouse energy conservation is available for $30. Cheques are payable to the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association and requests should be mailed to: Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Crop Diversification Centre North, RR 6, Edmonton, Alberta T5B 4K3. |
|