Tillage and Fertilizer Effects on Yield, Profitability, and Risk in a Corn‐Wheat‐Potato‐Wheat Rotation

• DOI: 10.2134/agronj2008.0126x
• Publication Date: 2009-10-31T00:13:16Z
• Authors: Andreas Meyer‐Aurich; Markus Gandorfer; Georg Gerl; Max Kainz
• Keywords: Plough; Minimum tillage; Rotation system; Conventional tillage; Strip-till

Reduced tillage results in lower production costs and thus may have economic advantages for farmers. However, yield penalties, specific risks, or higher nutrient requirements counteract the positive effects of reduced tillage. This study investigates long‐term (moldboard plow, deep shallow chisel plow) their interactions with N fertilizer input on yields performance a corn ( Zea mays L.)‐wheat Triticum aestivum L.)‐potato Solanum tuberosum rotation southern Germany. Conventional (CT) systems provided comparable returns. The required surface‐dribbled urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN) to potato be as efficient CT system. implications overall environmental assessment systems. For moderate‐ higher‐risk‐averse producers, usual practice was more than all other management options whole rotation. Farmers' risk aversion has no impact choice most (CT practice) (reduced increased level). wheat, show high optimal With energy prices, savings due fuel use offset by since nitrous prices are highly determined costs.