Economics%20of%20Alternative%20Rotations

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Economics of Alternative Rotations

• North Central Research Association
• March 11, 2004

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Rotation Considerations

• Impact on yields
• Impact on costs, especially nitrogen and
  pesticides
• Relative market prices
• Government program considerations

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Rotation Considerations

• Seven alternative rotations
• Continuous corn, Spring and Fall N
• CCCO
• CSb
• CSbCO
• CCOM
• COMM
• Four N levels
• 0, 80, 160, 240

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Assumptions

• N at .25 per pound
• Corn after corn 164 variable cost
• First year corn 152 variable cost
• Oats 36 plus P and K removed variable cost
  1.25 per bu., 44, 50 lb. small square bales at
  1.75 per bale
• Hay 84 plus P and K removed variable cost 80
  per ton

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Conclusions

• Soil types have significant impact on results
• Corn soybean rotation and CSbCO relatively equal
  in returns
• Price does have an impact
• Very pronounced yield impacts which are partially
  offset by N level

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Corn on Corn vs. Corn on Soybeans Long Term
Field Studies

• Rotation fertility studies from 1979
• Rotations CC, CSb, CCSb, CCCSb, Sb
• 4 N levels 0, 80, 160, 240
• Data from Ken Peckinovsky and Antonio Mallarino

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Conclusions

• Evaluate the whole rotation, not a single crop
• Soil types have significant influence on results
• Corn yields increase for corn following any other
  crop
• Corn/Soybean is the most profitable rotation with
  CCSb second under normal conditions
• Significant pest pressure with more severe impact
  on soybean yields will influence the results
• Market prices influence most profitable rotation
  but C/Sb still is most profitable