Crop Yields and Economic Returns Accompanying the Transition to Alternative Farming Systems

Abstract

Crop yields and economic performance of alternative (low-input/sustainable), conventional and reduced-tillage farming systems were compared over a 5-yr transition period. Two studies were initiated in 1985 and each study compared three crop rotation systems: alternative (no commercial fertilizer or pesticides), conventional, and reduced-tillage. Study 1 emphasized row crops, while Study 2 emphasized small grains. Growing season precipitation was the dominant factor influencing crop yields. In Study 1 spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields under conventional tillage were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than under ridge-till. In Study 2 there was generally little difference in spring wheat yields between alternative, conventional and minimum-till systems. Conventional barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yields were higher than minimum-till in most years of Study 2. With the exception of the 1988 drought year, alternative corn (Zea mays L.) yields were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than conventional and ridge-till. There was not a consistent difference in soybean (Glycine max L. merr.) yields between systems in either study. The 5-yr average net incomes over all costs except management were highest for the alternative systems in both studies. Direct costs of production in each year of the studies were lowest for the alternative systems. The alternative systems also had the lowest average gross incomes. Average labor costs were highest for the alternative system in Study 1 and the conventional system in Study 2. In general, net returns to the alternative systems during the transition phase appeared to be less variable than returns to the more conventional systems. The effects of organic premiums that might be available to alternative producers outweighed the effects of wheat protein premiums sometimes available to conventional producers. Twenty-five percent reductions in federal farm program target prices and 25% increases in fertilizer and herbicide prices both decreased the relative competitiveness of the more conventional systems, although reductions in target prices adversely affected all systems. It was concluded that alternative systems have both agronomic and economic promise in the northern Great Plains; however, it will be important to continue to monitor the performance of the systems.