Abstract

FERRARO, Diego O. Exergy efficiency assessment of corn-based ethanol production: a case study in the Pampas region (Argentina). Ecol. austral [online]. 2008, vol.18, n.3, pp.323-336. ISSN 1667-782X.

Natural ecosystems transformation in agroecosystems not only alters its structure but also its functionality. The need to evaluate and monitor these functional changes has led to the development and implementation of a large number of indicators of human impact due to agricultural activities. This paper develops a theoretical framework for the assessment of agroecosystems through the analysis of energy flows. In particular, the approach is based on the use of energy or useful exergy. Also, the calculation methodology is applied to a corn-based ethanol farming system located in the Pampa Region. Results indicate that although the potential impact in terms of resource extraction from the environment, in the form of exergy consumed, is highest in the industrial stage, the inefficiencies in the agricultural phase are much more pronounced. As for the internal cycling of exergy, the results of this study indicate that 41% of the exergy used to get 1 MJ of exergy comes from non-renewable sources, rising to 71% when you take into account the contribution of net exergy fuel. These results indicate that the crop-based system analyzed for ethanol production partially meets the desirable conditions of low resource extraction from the environment and high renewability of production.

Keywords : Sustainability; Agriculture; Energy.

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