Energy efficiency in an integrated agro-ecosystem at the acid soil area in Mekong delta, Vietnam

Abstract

Background Both exergy and energy analysis methods are used for analysing energy efficiency in all kind of processes, and can be used also in agriculture. The study focuses on the connection of the three main process components (husbandry-crop-fishpond) in a typical farming household in an acid soil region in rural areas, Mekong delta, Vietnam. The concept of exergy analysis is used to underline the potential for energy efficiency in alternative processes in the agricultural system. To develop an integrated ecological system towards zero-emission, the analytical methods of material cycles and energy flows use a set of indicators of resource efficiency in a sustainable agriculture.Results The design of the ideal integrated farming system “Agro-Industrial Zero Emissions Systems” (AIZES) can increase the system efficiency by making use of indigenous natural materials and waste reuse, recycling. Recycling waste for energy, fish feed and fertilizing can result a decrease in half of environmental load. Using exergy analysis to calculate an indicator non-renewable yield ratio (NRYR), the systems imply sustainability of agriculture production. Conclusions The farming household will be able to replace fuel and electricity resulting in energy self-sufficiency to distribute surplus biogas to surrounding households. Biochar created by mixing the biomass residues with local plants can improve soil quality. Pig sludge can become nutritious fertilizer when mixed with biomass residues. Also, utilizing biogas can reduce purchased electricity.

An Economic-environmental-energy Efficiency Analysis for Optimizing Organic Waste Treatment of a Livestock-orchard System: A Case in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

“…An agricultural system with many production components, also known as an integrated farming system [29] such as a livestock-crop system, generates diverse kinds of waste that need multiple treatment solutions [30]. The studies of Hai et al [31,32] proposed many solutions for treating wastes from this system, including biogas digester, composting, pyrolysis.…”

“…The economic factor is one of the most signi cant bases to estimate the performance e ciency of a waste treatment system. A small-scale farming household system necessarily takes it into account, especially with the system in the poor countryside areas such as the acidic-soil areas in the Mekong Delta, where most of the agricultural waste resources are disposed directly into the environment [30]. The lack of research literature calls for further research on the pro tability of waste treatment solutions to produce energy in a farming system.…”