The aim of this paper is to analyze the energy efficiency of conventional and organic maize production systems in production units of Far West region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The results of case study showed that the production of conventional and transgenic hybrids has intensive use of inputs and achieve greater productivity compared with the organic system. The conversion of inputs into energy showed low energy efficiency. With different levels of mechanization and technology adoption, the main factor responsible for the input energy is the use of nitrogen fertilizers chemical synthesis. The areas with organic production systems present higher energy efficient, being conducted only on a small scale and achieving average productivity.
agriculture; system; transgenic; organic; agroecology
