Ecological sustainability assessment of agricultural production systems in the Sistan region using emergy footprint analysis

Abstract Agriculture is a major source of rural income in Sistan. The viability of this industry depends on the health and ecological resilience of the agricultural systems and the ecosystems they rely on. The study covered various crops such as wheat, barley, corn (grain and forage), alfalfa, canola, watermelon, melon, mung bean, lentil, onion, garlic, fennel, cumin, and black seed. The study employed the stratified sampling method with proportional allocation. In this context, data pertaining to the inputs and outputs of production systems were gathered by means of interviews conducted with farmers and by utilising statistics obtained from meteorological stations. Subsequently, employing the emergy analysis methodology, the input and output flows were transformed into emergy units, denoted as sej. The investigation focused on assessing the ecological sustainability of production systems by using emergy footprint indicators. The study's findings revealed that the wheat cultivated in Zahak had the highest emergy carrying capacity, while the mung bean grown in Hamoun had the lowest emergy carrying capacity. The wheat production systems in Zahak have the highest ecological footprint due to their high input consumption compared to other crops. Moreover, it is noteworthy that Zahak wheat showed the largest ecological surplus, while Hirmand corn grain showed a production system characterised by high safety measures. The study's findings suggest that there is a lack of ecological and economic balance in all of the production systems examined. In general, the efficient use of resources can reduce both the economic and ecological costs associated with production systems.