Energy analysis of early, mid and late 20th century Swedish farming systems:: A local society case study

Three farming systems, in the same area but at different times in the 20th century, were studied. Production and food consumption were aggregated with an energy index. From 1927 to 1981 total energy inputs to field work increased only slightly, energy in produce per unit of manpower increased seven-fold, work force in agriculture decreased to one-third, productivity of arable land doubled. Productivity of energy embodied in external inputs decreased by 85 per cent from 1927 to 1956; then increased slightly from 1956 to 1981. Questions about possible roles and designs of farming in energy-scarce futures are raised. (C) 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.