Profitability of Cropping Systems Featuring Tillage and Compost
2010
Singer, Jeremy W. | Chase, Craig A. | Kohler, Keith A.
Productivity rather than profitability is often used to compare agronomic systems. The objective of this study was to compare profitability of moldboard plow, chisel plow, and no-tillage with or without composted animal manure in a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/clover (Trifolium spp.) rotation during three rotation cycles. Corn and soybean grain and seed yield exhibited a tillage × compost amendment interaction. Yield in moldboard and chisel plow with or without compost was similar, but yield in no-tillage with compost was 8 and 5% greater than without compost for corn and soybean. Wheat yielded 5% higher in moldboard and chisel plow than no-tillage and 4% higher in compost than no-compost amendment. Wheat returns were similar among tillage and 7% higher when compost was amended. Corn production with or without compost amendment had similar returns in moldboard plow. Corn in chisel plow with compost had 8% greater returns than the no-compost treatment. Corn in no-tillage with compost had 15% greater returns with compost amendment than without. Similar corn returns were generated for all tillage systems if compost was applied. Soybean production using no-tillage had 9% greater returns than without compost and greater returns than moldboard and chisel plow with or without compost. Summing returns across the three-crop rotation indicated cycling nutrients through compost application exhibits a functional synergy in no-tillage and chisel plow but not moldboard plow for these crops, which enhances their profitability.
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