Energy use in open-field agriculture in the EU: A critical review recommending energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources adoption

This review combines results from a large number of studies investigating energy use in EU open-field agriculture, providing an overview and its concentrations. Such findings are important as it informs stakeholders policymakers with evidence for supporting green transition agriculture. Our indicates that annual agriculture is at least 1431 PJ, equivalent to around 3.7% total consumption, the majority sourced non-renewable sources. meta-analysis finds production fertilizer largest consuming activity accounting 50% all inputs. On-farm diesel accounts 31% inputs, while pesticides seeds 5% Other uses, mainly irrigation, storage drying, account 8% suggests significantly underreported 55% associated fertilizers pesticides, come indirect sources which can be assigned agricultural sector but used prior reaching farms. The importance potential various fossil-energy-free technologies strategies discussed. In addition, this highlights medium long term there need development application detailed standardized methodologies analysis systems, well meta-analyses