Evaluating Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emissions in Banana Cultivation: the Case of Antalya Province in Türkiye

The aim of this study is to determine the energy efficiency of banana production and the carbon emissions during the production process. For this purpose, a survey study was conducted in Antalya Province, Türkiye, in the 2021–2022 agricultural production season. Within the scope of the survey study, the input elements and technical coefficients of banana producers were recorded, and the primary data of the study were collected. The research results revealed that a total of 69,045.29 MJ ha‑1 energy input was used in banana production. It was calculated that the total energy input originated from 57,228.45 MJha‑1 (82.89%) nitrogenous fertilizer, 5301.59 MJha‑1 (7.68%) diesel input, 2147.54 MJha‑1 (3.11%) machinery use, 1923.94 MJha‑1 (2.79%) labor, and 1258.76 MJha‑1 (1.82%) pesticide use. In total, 97.17% of the energy input is provided from non-renewable energy sources, and this result is a risk factor in terms of the sustainability of agriculture. The total carbon emission from banana production was calculated as 2371.23 kg CO2-eq for the entire production, and 0.047 kg CO2-eq per kilogram of banana. It was determined that 40.2% of the total emission was caused by nitrogenous fertilizers, 29.0% by labor, and 11.0% by diesel use. The research findings reveal that fertilization is the most important input in both energy use and carbon emissions. For the sustainability of agricultural production, it is suggested that technical norms be taken into consideration in chemical fertilizer applications and that monitoring processes be developed. In addition, directing efforts toward more environmentally friendly alternatives that can be equivalent to chemical fertilizers can be considered a solution.