Economics of conservation tillage in the semiarid prairie

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 697-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. P. Zentner ◽  
B. G. McConkey ◽  
C. A. Campbell ◽  
F. B. Dyck ◽  
F. Selles
Keyword(s):  
Economic Performance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Silt Loam ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Heavy Clay

Concerns about environmental sustainability and economic survival have changed tillage practices significantly in western Canada. This study examined the effects of conventional (CT), minimum (MT), and no-tillage (NT) management on the economic performance of hard red spring wheat (Triticium aestivum L.) or durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) production when grown in fallow–wheat (F–W) and continuous wheat (Cont W) rotations, over a period of up to 12 yr (1982–1993) on three soil textures in southwestern Saskatchewan. Our results show little short-term economic incentive for producers to adopt NT management practices. Production costs were similar on the three soil textures, averaging $141 ha−1 for F–W and $224 ha−1 for Cont W. Total costs for Cont W systems averaged 10 to 13% higher for NT compared to CT. For F–W systems total costs for NT averaged 29% higher than for CT on the silt loam, and 14% higher on the heavy clay. Also for F–W systems costs for NT averaged 23, 12, and 17% higher than for MT on silt loam, sandy loam, and heavy clay soils, respectively. Although conservation tillage (MT and NT) provided savings in labor, fuel and oil, machine repair, and machine overhead (compared to CT), these savings were more than offset by greater expenditures for herbicides. On the silt loam, net returns were highest for Cont W (CT) and lowest for F–W (NT) at wheat prices greater than $147 t−1; at lower wheat prices, F–W (CT) and Cont W (CT) provided the highest and about equal net returns. On the sandy loam, F–W (MT) consistently earned the highest net return; F–W (NT) ranked second highest, while Cont W systems ranked lowest. On the heavy clay, F–W (MT) and Cont W (CT) provided the highest net return at wheat prices greater than $147 t−1, while at lower wheat prices F–W (MT) ranked highest. In our study, the relatively poor economic performance of conservation tillage, particularly NT, for monoculture wheat production was due to a combination of higher input costs and the lack of significant yield advantages with MT and NT management. Key words: Minimum tillage, no-tillage, net returns, production costs, riskiness

scholarly journals Yield and Quality Performance of Traditional and Improved Bread and Durum Wheat Varieties under Two Conservation Tillage Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 4522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Ruiz ◽  
Encarna Zambrana ◽  
Rosario Fite ◽  
Aida Sole ◽  
Jose Luis Tenorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Durum Wheat ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Wheat Varieties

The increasing spread of conservation agriculture demands that the next generation of wheat varieties includes cultivars capable of maintaining satisfactory yields with lower inputs and under uncertain climate scenarios. On the basis of the genetic gains achieved during decades of selection oriented to yield improvements under conventional crop management, it is important that novel breeding targets are defined and addressed. Grain yield, yield-related traits, and phenological and morphological characteristics, as well as functional quality parameters have been analyzed for six varieties each of bread and durum wheat, under minimum tillage and no-tillage. During the three-year experiment, the climatic conditions at the field trial site were characterized by low rainfall, although different degrees of aridity—from moderate to severe—were experienced. Differences were found between these two soil management practices in regard to the varieties’ yield stability. A positive influence of no-tillage on traits related to grain and biomass yield was also evidenced, and some traits among the examined seemed involved in varietal adaptation to a particular non-conventional tillage system. The study also confirmed some breeding targets for improved performance of wheat genotypes in conservation agroecosystems. These traits were represented in the small set of traditional varieties analysed.

scholarly journals Economic Performance and Consraints Faced by Tur Dal Processing Units- Bharuch District, Gujarat

2021 ◽  
pp. 54-62
Author(s):  
Deepa Hiremath ◽  
Shreeshail Rudrapur ◽  
L. R. Dubey ◽  
Bhanupriya Choyal
Keyword(s):  
Economic Performance ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Capacity Utilization ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Variable Cost ◽  
Fixed Cost ◽  
Fixed Costs ◽  
Net Returns

The study of economic performance of Tur dal processing units in terms of cost is very essential for accelerating the growth of agriculture processing industries. The present study was undertaken to work out the unit fixed costs, variable costs, production costs and returns of processing of Tur dal and different constraints faced by Tur dal processors of Bharuch District of Gujarat. The primary data pertained to consecutive three years i.e., 2017-18, 2018-2019, and 2019-20 were collected from the sample of three Tur dal mills from Bharuch, Ankleshwar and Vaghra talukas of Bharuch district. The results indicated that the average capital investment for a dal mill per unit was Rs. 7, 10, 00,000. The average fixed cost and average variable cost per quintal was of INR 46.10 and 245.46 respectively. Hence, average processing cost per quintal was worked out to be Rs. 291.56. The gross return per quintal of processed tur dal was Rs. 5754.50. The average content of tur dal and by- products was in the proportion of 72 per cent and 28 per cent respectively, by weight. The recovery in one quintal of tur was 65 kg of tur dal, 7 kg of broken dal and 28 kg of chala/chuni/ dead seed. The net returns per quintal after processing was found to be Rs. 579.61. It was found that, inadequate supply of raw material for processing especially during off season was the major constraint faced by the dal mill owners followed by units not running on full capacity utilization during offseason and irregular electricity supply to run the unit, etc.

scholarly journals Agronomic and Economic Effects of Irrigation and Rotation in Peanut-based Cropping Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-179
Author(s):  
M. C. Lamb ◽  
R. B. Sorensen ◽  
C. L. Butts
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yields ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Sequence Length ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Rotation Sequence

ABSTRACT Although the Southeast U.S. receives an average annual precipitation of 1300 mm, crop yields are often limited by erratic seasonal rainfall distributions. Studies were conducted from 2001 through 2017 at the USDA/ARS Multi-crop Irrigation Research Farm in Shellman, GA (84°36′ W, 30°44′ N) on a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudults). The objective of this long-term study is to evaluate the effects of irrigation and crop rotation sequencing consisting of peanut, corn, and cotton on yield and net economic returns to both variable and total costs. Analysis included the entire study period and was also separated for years with below and above average rainfall. When averaged across all years, irrigation increased peanut, corn, and cotton yield and net returns compared with non-irrigation. Six different rotation sequences were addressed inclusive of continuous peanut, one year out of peanut with corn or cotton, and two years out of peanut with combinations of corn and cotton. In both irrigated and non-irrigated peanuts, the least and greatest yields were from continuous peanut and the two year out rotations, respectively. No peanut yield difference resulted with corn or cotton rotation partners for the rotation sequence. Length of rotation between peanut years did influence peanut yield and net returns. Profitability and optimal rotation sequence within any cropping system depended on irrigation, yield, crop price, and production costs for peanut, corn, and cotton.

Effect of fallow frequency, flexible rotations, legume green manure, and wheat class on the economics of wheat production in the Brown soil zone

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 413-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. P. Zentner ◽  
C. A. Campbell ◽  
F. Selles ◽  
P. G. Jefferson ◽  
R. Lemke
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Rotations ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Soil Zone ◽  
Summer Fallow ◽  
Legume Green Manure

Producers in the semiarid Brown soil zone of Saskatchewan have historically produced spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in fallow-based rotations because these cropping systems are profitable and risk efficient; however, their use has also been most damaging to soil quality. New wheat types and management methods have been developed that may offer wheat producers opportunities to enhance economic returns, while improving environmental sustainability. This study compares the economic merits of reducing fallow (F) frequency, using an annual legume green manure (LGM) crop as a summer fallow replacement, adopting a flex-cropping approach based on available soil water reserves (if water) or the need to control problem weeds (if weeds), and the production of Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat (W) versus the higher yielding Canada Prairie Spring (CPS) wheat class (HY). The results are based on 15 yr of data from seven crop rotations included in an ongoing experiment being conducted on an Orthic Brown Chernozem at the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The crop rotations included F-W-W, LGM-W-W, F-HY-HY, F-W-W-W, continuous W (Cont W), Cont W (if water), and Cont W (if weeds). Cropping systems were managed using conservation tillage practices. They were fertilized with recommended rates of N and P based on soil tests, and crop residue was maintained as tall as possible (usually > 30 cm) to enhance snow trapping. The 1988–2002 study period was characterized by above normal growing season precipitation; thus, grain yields were also above average for this region. Results showed that producers will earn the highest net return with Cont W ($41 ha-1), despite this rotation having the highest production costs. Net returns ranked second highest for F-W-W-W, F-HYHY, and the flex-crop rotations (about $15 ha-1 less than Cont W), and ranked lowest for F-W-W and LGM-W-W (about $25 ha-1 less). However, since 1993, when the LGM was managed more effectively than in the first 6 yr, LGM-W-W was more profitable than F-W-W. On average, it was more profitable to produce CPS compared with CWRS wheat when the CPS/CWRS price ratio was greater than 0.8. Producers who are highly averse to risk would still choose cropping systems that included some summer fallow, while those with lower risk aversion would choose Cont W, but with all-risk crop insurance. In the absence of an all-risk crop insurance program, producers would typically choose Cont W (if water), F-W-W-W, or F-W-W. We concluded that area producers, who practice conservation tillage management and use tall stubble for snowtrapping, can enhance farm income by moving to more intensive cropping systems, and while doing so, they will foster improved environmental sustainability. Key words: Crop rotations, wheat, summer fallow, legume green manure, flex-cropping, production costs, net returns, income variability

scholarly journals Effect of Intercropping on Productivity and Profitability of Sesame under Dryland Arid Conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-156
Author(s):  
Moola Ram
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Research Station ◽  
High Potassium ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Loam Soil ◽  
Total Productivity

An experiment on sesame intercropping system was conducted during kharif (rainy) season of 2017 on sandy loam soil (8.72 pH, 0.88 EC dS m-1), with low nitrogen (137 kg N ha-1), medium phosphorus (14.4 kg ha-1) and high potassium content (357 kg ha-1) at Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur in randomized block design with 3 replications. Among 7 treatments (T1 – Sole sesame, T2 – Sesame + Urdbean in 3:1, T3 – Sesame + Urdbean in 4:2, T4 – Sesame + Mungbean in 3:1, T5 – Sesame + Mungbean in 4:2, T6 – Sesame + Mothbean in 3:1, T7 – Sesame + Mothbean in 4:2 row ratio), it was found that intercropping of sesame with mungbean in ratio 3:1 resulted significantly higher total productivity and net returns (541 kg ha-1 & Rs. 18270 ha-1) over sole sesame crop (344 kg ha-1 & Rs. 6156 ha-1) followed by mungbean in 4:2 (490 kg ha-1 with net return of Rs. 15164 ha-1) being at par with urdbean in 3:1 (473 kg ha-1 with net return of Rs. 14078 ha-1). It was concluded that mungbean can be grown as a beneficial intercrop in sesame under dryland conditions of Rajasthan.

scholarly journals Techno-economic performance of imported kukje self-propelled rice transplanter

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Munnaf ◽  
MM Hossain ◽  
FY Ruma
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Area Coverage ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Labor Input ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Field Efficiency ◽  
Benefit Cost

The experiment was conducted to study the performance of Kukje self-propelled rice transplanter and to study the economic feasibility of mechanical transplanting method over manual transplanting method. Each of the transplanting method had three unit plots of sized 20 m x 10 m. The field efficiency and planting efficiency of the transplanter were 83.33% and 95%, respectively. Percent damaged (3.33%) and missing (5.33%) hills were higher in mechanical transplanting method and percent floating (4.33%) hill was higher in case of manual transplanting method. The average labor input in mechanical transplanting was 1.4 man-day/ha where 25 man-day/ha was in case of manual transplanting. The total production costs were 53612 tk/ha and 49304 tk/ha for manual transplanting and mechanical transplanting methods, respectively. Crop established with mechanical transplanting method resulted in higher average grain yield of 6.66 t/ha than manual transplanting method resulted average grain yield of 5.83 t/ha. The net return of manual and mechanical transplanting method were 42310 and 61080 tk/ha, respectively. The benefit cost ratios (BCR) were 2.24 and 1.78 for mechanical transplanting method and manual transplanting method, respectively. Kukje self-propelled rice transplanter should have break-even area coverage more than 10 ha/yr for economic transplanting. The above result showed that the mechanical transplanting method is more economic than the manual transplanting method. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v12i1.21406 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(1): 161-166, June 2014

Agronomic and economic performance of wheat and canola-based double-crop systems

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 124-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily E. Pullins ◽  
Robert L. Myers
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Double Cropping ◽  
No Till ◽  
Yield Production ◽  
Winter Crop ◽  
Feasible Alternative

AbstractDouble-cropping provides a method of diversifying the rotation, maximizing production, and increasing the profit potential of a cropping system. We assessed agronomic and economic performance of five alternative crops in comparison to the no-till wheat-soybean double-cropping system prevalent in the southern Corn Belt. Canola has shown potential as a profitable winter crop, but its effects on the subsequent crop in a no-till double-crop system required further study. Amaranth, buckwheat, sunflower, and pearl millet were planted after the harvest of canola or wheat, or after fallow. Alternative double-crop grain yield, production costs, and net returns were compared with those of double-crop soybean.Wheat yielded more than canola. Sunflower grain yields did not differ significantly after winter-crop treatments at any site. Yields of amaranth, buckwheat, soybean, and pearl millet differed after winter crops at some sites. At three study yield levels, net returns were positive and greatest for double-crop wheat-amaranth, canola-amaranth, wheat-sunflower, and canola-sunflower systems. All double-crop systems except canolapearl millet had positive net returns at median study yield levels. Low or negative net returns resulted from the combination of low yield and low price for some double crops. Canola was shown to be an economically feasible alternative to wheat in a doublecropping system for central and southern Missouri. Buckwheat and sunflower were shown to be agronomically and economically competitive alternatives to soybean following either canola or winter wheat, with buckwheat most valuable in late-season planting conditions.

scholarly journals Economic Return in Production of Lettuce and Cantaloupe Is Affected by Cropping System and Management Practice

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 1319-1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edmund J. Ogbuchiekwe ◽  
Milton E. McGiffen ◽  
Mathieu Ngouajio
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Management ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Integrated Crop Management

Economic analysis compared the returns of cropping systems and management practices for production of fall lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and spring cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) following summer cover crops. The cover crop treatments included: cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] incorporated into the soil in the fall, cowpea used as mulch in the fall, sorghum sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] incorporated into the soil in the fall, and a bare ground control. Lettuce and cantaloupe were managed using conventional, integrated, and organic practices. The effect of each cropping system and management practice on crop yield, cost of production and net return was determined. In 1999 and 2000, yield and net return were greatest for cantaloupe and lettuce when the cowpea cover crop was incorporated into the soil before planting. The effect of crop management practice varied with type of cover crop. When lettuce was planted into cowpea-incorporated treatment in 1999, conventional management had the highest cash return followed by integrated crop management. In 2000, organically-grown lettuce after cowpea incorporated had the highest net return followed by integrated crop management grown under cowpea incorporated treatments. In 1999 and 2000, integrated cantaloupe following cowpea-incorporated treatment had the highest yield and cash-return. A 20% price premium for organic produce increased the net returns for the organic-grown lettuce and cantaloupe. Organic lettuce following cowpea-incorporated treatments produced a high net of $2,516/ha in 1999 and $5,971/ha in 2000. The net returns due to 20% organic premium price varied between 1999 and 2000 in cantaloupe production. They were highest for organic cantaloupe after bareground with a net return of $4,395 in 1999 and $3,148 in 2000 for organic cantaloupe after sudangrass.

scholarly journals Economic evaluation of conservation tillage options for deciding the feasibility of their adoption

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 525-529
Author(s):  
Rakesh Kumar ◽  
Pramila Aggarwal ◽  
Amarendra Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
Rabi Season ◽  
Tillage Practice ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Tillage Practices ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Transplanted Rice

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate two important conservation tillage practices namely zero tillage in wheat and bed planting for growing vegetables for deciding the economic feasibility of their adoption in Gohana and Kharkhoda block of Sonipat district in Haryana. In first scenario, comparison were made between Puddled transplanted rice followed by conventional tilled wheat (PTR – CTW), and puddled transplanted rice followed by zero till wheat (PTR – ZTW). In second scenario, conventionally tilled Jowar in kharif followed by conventionally tilled wheat system (CTJ – CTW) was compared with vegetables on beds in both seasons (BV-BV). Sowing of wheat by zero till drill in PTR – ZTW system, decreased cost of cultivation by 21% over its value of Rs 20688 in PTR – CTW treatment; increased grain yield by 5% over the grain yield of 5.99 t ha-1 in PTR – CTW treatment. The B: C ratio of PTR – ZTW was 4.65 while that of PTR – CTW treatment was 3.24, which indicated economic viability of zero tillage practice. While in case of cauliflower in BV-BV system, the total cost of cultivation was estimated at Rs 51500/ha and net returns of Rs 38072/ha i.e an increased net return of 5.8 times over the net return of Rs 46223.5 in CTJ – CTW treatment. The B: C ratio of BV-BV was 5.21, while that of CTJ – CTW treatment was 2.35. Thus, it was concluded that in rabi season, cauliflower on beds and zero till wheat are most economically viable options in this temporary waterlogged regions of Yamuna basin.

In-row residue management effects on seed-zone temperature, moisture and early growth of barley and canola in a cold semi-arid region in northwestern Canada

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. (Charlie) A. Arshad ◽  
Rahman H. Azooz
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Residue Management ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Silt Loam ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Canadian Prairies ◽  
Seed Zone

AbstractSpring crop growth is often influenced by water stress and lower soil temperature in the northern Canadian prairies. Tillage system effects on soil temperature, moisture and establishment of barley and canola in silt loam and sandy loam soils in northern British Columbia were investigated in 1992 and 1993. The tillage systems were: no-tillage (NT), modified no-tillage where surface residue was pushed aside from a 7.5cm zone above the planting rows (MNT), and conventional tillage (CT). The MNT and CT had higher weekly maximum and weekly mean seed zone temperatures than NT. Mean weekly maximum seed-zone soil temperature was 1.6°C lower in MNT and 3.7°C lower in NT than in CT during the first 10 weeks after planting (WAP) in 1992. Compared to NT and MNT, barley in CT was slow to establish during the first three WAP in the silt loam in 1992 and 1993, and in the sandy loam in 1992, due to early water stress from low rainfall. Barley emergence was delayed by 6 days in NT and 11 days in CT in 1992 and by 3 days in NT and 7 days in CT in 1993 compared to MNT in the silt loam soil. Early in the growing season, barley growth was retarded more in the CT than NT and MNT at both sites. Canola growth was significantly improved in the MNT over that in the NT and CT in 1993. The MNT was more beneficial for crop establishment during prolonged dry periods than CT, and for emergence and growth compared with NT under extremely wet soil conditions.

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