Theoretical essence of “energy efficiency” and “energy efficiency in the crop production” categories

The purpose of the article is to reveal an essence of categories “energy efficiency” and “energy efficiency in the crop production” and classification of energy efficiency levels, and to justify a method of assessing energy efficiency in the crop production of Ukraine. Research methods. In the research process the following scientific methods have been used: the abstract and logical for defining an essence of energy efficiency indicators in the agricultural crop production; the monographic for studying energy efficiency of agricultural crops and identifying factors influencing efficiency of agricultural crops production; the calculation and construction method for developing an algorithm for calculating energy intensity of agricultural crop production; the comparative analysis for analysing energy efficiency of crop production; the energy analysis for assessing the crop production technologies. Research results. It has been justified a classification of energy types (human labour power, renewable and non-renewable energy) in the process of crop production. The main factors, influencing energy efficiency of the crop production, namely organizational, economic, and bioclimatic conditions, levels of technology development and technical support, have been determined. Trends and regularities of energy consumption in the process of crop production have defined. Advantages of implementing an energy assessment system in agrarian enterprises of Ukraine have been revealed. Elements of scientific novelty. Classification of energy’s types in the process of crop production has been justified for the first time. Unlike the existing definitions, the following types of energy are distinguished: renewable (solar energy, soil energy potential, air and soil temperature); non-renewable (energy resources, energy contained in mineral and organic fertilizers, pesticides, energy contained in seeds, energy contained in equipment, buildings and structures); energy of human labour (human labour power). The classification of energy as an asset, according to estimation approaches has been justified for the first time. Unlike the existing statements, while applying the classical estimation approaches, energy as an asset can also be viewed from various aspects, namely resource (according to the cost approach), productive (according to income approach), and comparative. Theoretical provisions regarding “energy efficiency” category, which reflects ratio between an amount of agricultural production (complying with current quality standards) and an amount of total energy expenditure (in terms of compliance with current environmental protection requirements), have gained further development. In the article have been further developed the theoretical positions regarding the “energy efficiency in the crop production” category, which can be defined as a degree of total energy consumption optimization per crop production unit or an area of land in cultivation, carried out without reducing quality and with the smallest negative impact on the environment. Practical significance. The proposed method for estimating energy efficiency of the crop production can be used for comparative estimation of efficiency of natural resources use, energy costs, and energy value of different kinds of agricultural products. It has been conducted energy assessment of the main crops production technologies in Ukraine (within the Forest-steppe zone). Tabl.: 2. Figs.: 5. Refs.: 10.