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

PRODUCTION OF EIGHT CROPPING SYSTEMS ON SALINE AND GLEYSOLIC ALLUVIUM SOIL, THE PAS, MANITOBA

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-193
Author(s):  
E. D. SPRATT ◽  
B. J. GORBY ◽  
W. S. FERGUSON
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Soil Salinity ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Crop Rotations ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Forage Crop ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Subsurface Soil ◽  
Summer Fallow

In 1961, eight crop rotations were established on a recently drained alluvium soil (5 ha in size). Within the rotation strips the average initial electrical conductivity (ECe) of the 0–30-cm depth ranged from 0.3 to 28.6 mmhos/cm. Three rotations contained only wheat (with various amounts of summer fallow), three contained only forage crops (alfalfa or bromegrass or both), and two contained both wheat and forage crops (clover or brome–alfalfa). From 1961 to 1969 the wheat–clover and continuous alfalfa rotations gave the best yields, thus giving the highest net returns in dollars. In 1969, better yields of wheat were obtained after the forage crop rotations than after the grain rotations. Ground water levels and subsurface soil salinity remained relatively constant throughout the study.

scholarly journals Nitrogen fertility in semiarid dryland wheat production is challenging for beginning organic farmers

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drew J. Lyon ◽  
Gary W. Hergert
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Cattle Manure ◽  
Wheat Crop ◽  
N Fertility ◽  
Summer Fallow

AbstractOrganic farming systems use green and animal manures to supply nitrogen (N) to their fields for crop production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of green manure and composted cattle manure on the subsequent winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) crop in a semiarid environment. Dry pea (Pisum sativumL.) was seeded in early April and terminated at first flower in late June. Composted cattle manure was applied at 0, 11.2 or 22.5 Mg ha−1just prior to pea termination. Winter wheat was planted in mid September following the green manure or tilled summer fallow. No positive wheat response to green manure or composted cattle manure was observed in any of the 3 years of the study. In 2 of the 3 years, wheat yields and grain test weight were reduced following green manure. Green manure reduced grain yields compared with summer fallow by 220 and 1190 kg ha−1in 2009 and 2010, respectively. This may partially be explained by 40 and 47 mm less soil water at wheat planting following peas compared with tilled summer fallow in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Also, in 2008 and 2009, soil nitrate level averaged 45 kg ha−1higher for black fallow compared with green manure fallow when no compost was added. Organic growers in the semiarid Central Great Plains will be challenged to supply N fertility to their winter wheat crop in a rapid and consistent manner as a result of the inherently variable precipitation. Growers may need to allow several years to pass before seeing the benefits of fertility practices in their winter wheat cropping systems.

scholarly journals Use of Crop Rotations, Cover Crops and Green Manures for Disease Suppression in Potato Cropping Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 153-168
Author(s):  
Robert P. Larkin
Keyword(s):  
Disease Control ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Rotations ◽  
Disease Suppression ◽  
Green Manures ◽  
Rotation Crops

Crop rotations and the inclusion of cover crops and green manures are primary tools in the sustainable management of soil-borne diseases in crop production systems. Crop rotations can reduce soil-borne disease through three general mechanisms: (1) serving as a break in the host-pathogen cycle; (2) by altering the soil physical, chemical, or biological characteristics to stimulate microbial activity and diversity; or (3) directly inhibiting pathogens through the release of suppressive or toxic compounds or the enhancement of specific antagonists. Brassicas, sudangrass, and related plant types are disease-suppressive crops well-known for their biofumigation potential but also have other effects on soil microbiology that are important in disease suppression. The efficacy of rotations for reducing soil-borne diseases is dependent on several factors, including crop type, rotation length, rotation sequence, and use of the crop (as full-season rotation, cover crop, or green manure). Years of field research with Brassica and non-Brassica rotation crops in potato cropping systems in Maine have documented the efficacy of Brassica green manures for the reduction of multiple soil-borne diseases. However, they have also indicated that these crops can provide disease control even when not incorporated as green manures and that other non-biofumigant crops (such as barley, ryegrass, and buckwheat) can also be effective in disease suppression. In general, all crops provided better disease control when used as green manure vs. as a cover crop, but the addition of a cover crop can improve control provided by most rotation crops. In long-term cropping system trials, rotations incorporating multiple soil health management practices, such as longer rotations, disease-suppressive rotation crops, cover crops, and green manures, and/or organic amendments have resulted in greater yield and microbial activity and fewer disease problems than standard rotations. These results indicate that improved cropping systems may enhance productivity, sustainability, and economic viability.

scholarly journals LOW-INPUT PINEAPPLE CROPS WITH HIGH QUALITY FRUIT: PROMISING IMPACTS OF LOCALLY INTEGRATED AND ORGANIC FERTILISATION COMPARED TO CHEMICAL FERTILISERS

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARIE DARNAUDERY ◽  
PATRICK FOURNIER ◽  
MATHIEU LÉCHAUDEL
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Mucuna Pruriens ◽  
Low Input ◽  
Organic Fertilisation ◽  
Organic Fertilisers

SUMMARYFruit and vegetable farming generally involves high levels of chemical inputs despite the fact that consumers are increasingly concerned about the sanitary and organoleptic aspects of fruit quality. Pineapple is largely subject to these issues since it is dominated by conventional monocropping with high levels of agrochemical inputs due to nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilisation, weed management, crop protection and flowering induction. However, low-input pineapple cropping systems are both rare and little documented. Our study aimed at replacing all or part of the chemical fertilisers used with local organic fertilisers. It was conducted on the cultivar ‘Queen Victoria’, without pesticides or herbicides, in Reunion Island. We compared the impacts of three fertilisation treatments on pineapple growth and yield, fruit quality traits, symptoms of two major fungal diseases in fruit and production costs and labour times: (i) conventional: NPK fertiliser at recommended doses (265.5 kg ha−1 N–10.53 kg ha−1 P–445.71 kg ha−1 K); (ii) integrated: Mucuna pruriens green manure (240.03 kg ha−1 N, 18.62 kg ha−1 P, 136.11 kg ha−1 K) incorporated into the soil and a half-dose of NPK fertiliser and (iii) organic: M. pruriens green manure incorporated into the soil and foliar applications of sugarcane vinasse from a local distillery, rich in K (14.44 g L−1). Our results showed that NPK fertilisation could be replaced by organic fertilisers as well as by integrated fertilisation. ‘D’-leaf analysis showed that vinasse supplies a largely sufficient K level for growing pineapples. With organic fertilisation, pineapple growth was slower, 199 days after planting vs. 149 days for integrated or conventional fertilisations, and fruit yield was lower, 47.25 t ha−1 vs. 52.51 and 61.24 t ha−1, probably because M. pruriens green manure provided an early increase in soil mineral N, whereas N requirements are much higher four months after planting. However, the fruit weight (709.94 ± 123.53 g) was still within the size range required for the export market (600–900 g). Interestingly, organic fertilisation significantly reduced Leathery Pocket disease and produced the best quality fruit with the highest total soluble solids contents (TSS) and the lowest titratable acidity (TTA). Fruit quality was also significantly improved with integrated fertilisation, with fruit weight similar to that of conventional fertilisation. To conclude, these findings have implications for the sustainability of pineapple production and could lead to low-input innovative cropping systems that reduce production costs and develop local organic inputs.

Economics of reduced tillage fallow-crop systems in the Dark Brown soil zone of Alberta

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. G. Smith ◽  
R. E. Blackshaw ◽  
C. W. Lindwall ◽  
F. J. Larney ◽  
T. L. Peters
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Reduced Tillage ◽  
Term Study ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Tillage Methods

The use of conservation tillage management in fallow cropping systems reduces soil erosion and improves soil quality. The economic benefits of these alternate tillage methods are less certain. This study examined the economic returns from reduced tillage methods on fallow using yield and input data from two experiments at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre at Lethbridge, Alberta. One experiment was long-term study initiated in 1955 with eight treatments, the second was a 5-yr study with 15 treatments. Results from the 5-yr study indicated no difference in net returns between conventional and reduced tillage fallow systems. In contras, the long-term study net returns were highest for tilled systems and lowest for herbicide-only systems. The long-term study had a build-up of weeds that are difficult to control with herbicides alone. The resulting lower average yield and higher herbicide costs of the herbicide-only treatments in the long-term study accounted for most of the contrasting results between the two experiments. An economic evaluation of tillage practices requires the entire system to be evaluated, not just the tillage component. Key words: Economics, tillage, reduced tillage, conservation practices, weed control

Long-term economic performance of organic and conventional field crops in the mid-Atlantic region

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel A. Cavigelli ◽  
Beth L. Hima ◽  
James C. Hanson ◽  
John R. Teasdale ◽  
Anne E. Conklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Economic Risk ◽  
Present Value ◽  
Atlantic Region ◽  
Price Premiums ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Short Rotation

AbstractInterest in organic grain production is increasing in the United States but there is limited information regarding the economic performance of organic grain and forage production in the mid-Atlantic region. We present the results from enterprise budget analyses for individual crops and for complete rotations with and without organic price premiums for five cropping systems at the US Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA–ARS) Beltsville Farming Systems Project (FSP) from 2000 to 2005. The FSP is a long-term cropping systems trial established in 1996 to evaluate the sustainability of organic and conventional grain crop production. The five FSP cropping systems include a conventional, three-year no-till corn (Zea maysL.)–rye (Secale cerealeL.) cover crop/soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr)–wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)/soybean rotation (no-till (NT)), a conventional, three-year chisel-till corn–rye/soybean–wheat/soybean rotation (chisel tillage (CT)), a two-year organic hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth)/corn–rye/soybean rotation (Org2), a three-year organic vetch/corn–rye/soybean–wheat rotation (Org3) and a four- to six-year organic corn–rye/soybean–wheat–red clover (Trifolium pratenseL.)/orchard grass (Dactylis glomerataL.) or alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) rotation (Org4+). Economic returns were calculated for rotations present from 2000 to 2005, which included some slight changes in crop rotation sequences due to weather conditions and management changes; additional analyses were conducted for 2000 to 2002 when all crops described above were present in all organic rotations. Production costs were, in general, greatest for CT, while those for the organic systems were lower than or similar to those for NT for all crops. Present value of net returns for individual crops and for full rotations were greater and risks were lower for NT than for CT. When price premiums for organic crops were included in the analysis, cumulative present value of net returns for organic systems (US$3933 to 5446 ha−1, 2000 to 2005; US$2653 to 2869 ha−1, 2000 to 2002) were always substantially greater than for the conventional systems (US$1309 to 1909 ha−1, 2000 to 2005; US$634 to 869 ha−1, 2000 to 2002). With price premiums, Org2 had greater net returns but also greater variability of returns and economic risk across all years than all other systems, primarily because economic success of this short rotation was highly dependent on the success of soybean, the crop with the highest returns. Soybean yield variability was high due to the impact of weather on the success of weed control in the organic systems. The longer, more diverse Org4+ rotation had the lowest variability of returns among organic systems and lower economic risk than Org2. With no organic price premiums, economic returns for corn and soybean in the organic systems were generally lower than those for the conventional systems due to lower grain yields in the organic systems. An exception to this pattern is that returns for corn in Org4+ were equal to or greater than those in NT in four of six years due to both lower production costs and greater revenue than for Org2 and Org3. With no organic premiums, present value of net returns for the full rotations was greatest for NT in 4 of 6 years and greatest for Org4+ the other 2 years, when returns for hay crops were high. Returns for individual crops and for full rotations were, in general, among the lowest and economic risk was, in general, among the highest for Org2 and Org3. Results indicate that Org4+, the longest and most diverse rotation, had the most stable economic returns among organic systems but that short-term returns could be greatest with Org2. This result likely explains, at least in part, why some organic farmers in the mid-Atlantic region, especially those recently converting to organic methods, have adopted this relatively short rotation. The greater stability of the longer rotation, by contrast, may explain why farmers who have used organic methods for longer periods of time tend to favor rotations that include perennial forages.

Productivity, water use and nitrogen fixation of annual-legume green-manure crops in the Dark Brown soil zone of Saskatchewan

1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Townley-Smith ◽  
A. E. Slinkard ◽  
L. D. Bailey ◽  
V. O. Biederbeck ◽  
W. A. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fixation ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Faba Bean ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Green Manure Crop ◽  
Brown Soil ◽  
Soil Zone ◽  
Seed Crops ◽  
Green Manure Crops ◽  
Legume Green Manure

Both large-seeded annual legumes (pulse crops) and small-seeded annual or perennial legumes (forage crops) fix nitrogen (N) and can improve soil organic matter and fertility when used for green manuring. The role of pulses as green-manure crops has not been adequately evaluated in the Prairies, as they have been grown primarily as cash seed crops. An experiment was conducted in the Dark Brown soil zone at Saskatoon over four growing seasons on a moderately heavy-textured soil to determine the productivity, nitrogen fixation and soil moisture use of pea (Pisum sativum L. ’Trapper’), faba bean (Vicia faba L. ’Outlook’), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. ’Eston’ and ’Indianhead’), Tangier flatpea (Lathyrus tingitanus L. ’Tinga’) and seedling alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ’Moapa’) as green-manure substitutes for summerfallow. Dry-matter production (above ground) by full bloom averaged 6390, 4140, 3590, 2930 and 1260 kg ha−1 for pea, lentil, faba bean, Tangier flatpea and seedling alfalfa, respectively. Nitrogen yields were 166, 108, 119, 81 and 36 kg ha−1 and N fixation rates were 40, 15, 40, 24 and 4 kg ha−1 for pea, lentil, faba bean, Tangier flatpea and seedling alfalfa, respectively. Green-manure used similar amounts of water as wheat grown to maturity. Snow trapping by desiccating the standing green-manure crop was ineffective in increasing soil water in the spring. Low seeding rate and thus low cost of production made lentil the most reasonable choice as an annual-legume green-manure crop. However, improved methods of water conservation must be found to replace the water used to grow the green-manure crop. Key words: Pea, lentil, faba bean, Tangier flatpea, green manure, soil moisture

An economic analysis of alternative cropping systems for east-central Nebraska

1986 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 153-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn A. Helmers ◽  
Michael R. Langemeier ◽  
Joseph Atwood
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Rotations ◽  
Statistical Characteristics ◽  
East Central ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Chemical Systems ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Row Crop ◽  
The Stability

AbstractThirteen cropping systems were analyzed with respect to profitability and risk for east-central Nebraska. The systems were developed from 1) a four-year rotation containing a small grain, 2) two row crop rotations, 3) three continuous cropped alternatives, and 4) combinations of continuous cropped alternatives. Three systems were developed from the four-year rotation including two alternative treatments of inorganic chemicals as well as an organic alternative. Eight years of experimental yields, historical prices, and estimated costs were combined to estimate net returns for each of the thirteen systems. Risk was analyzed as net return variability using statistical characteristics of the net return series. The stability component of rotation risk was separated from the diversification component. We found rotations to have higher average net returns than continuously cropped systems. Different chemical treatments (including organic) had little impact on profitability. Rotations had lower return variability than most continuous crops. The organic treatment did not decrease variability of returns compared to other chemical systems.

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

Diseases of wheat and barley in conservation cropping systems of the semiarid Pacific Northwest

1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 95-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Smiley
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Tillage Practices ◽  
Conservation Farming ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Summer Fallow

AbstractDiseases continue to be important constraints in wheat and barley conservation cropping systems in the semiarid Pacific Northwest. Several diseases are more damaging in highthan low-residue seedbeds, and in crops planted during early autumn to reduce soil erosion during winter, especially unirrigated winter wheat in rotation with summer fallow in low rainfall zones (250–400 mm). Changes in cropping systems in the region have made disease management and maintenance of yield goals and farm profitability more challenging because disease management often is more complex and expensive with conservation tillage than inversion tillage. Practices being developed to meet this challenge are reviewed for diseases that are particularly trouble some in conservation farming systems of the Pacific Northwest.

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