Economic Analysis of Two Weed Management Systems for Two Cropping Rotations

Abstract

A standard weed management system (system I) had a higher return above variable costs than did an intensive weed management system (system II) for two eastern Colorado cropping rotations. For continuous corn (Zea maysL.), the return above variable costs averaged $18.85/ha more under system I than under system II. For a barley (Hordeum vulgareL.)-corn-sugarbeet (Beta vulgarisL.) rotation, the return above variable costs averaged $20.48/ha more under System I than under System II. Based on alternative input (herbicide) and product prices, higher herbicide costs favored the standard weed management system, whereas higher crop prices favored the weed management system with the higher yields adjusted for quality. The probability that returns above variable costs differed between the two weed management systems depended upon the level of product prices and herbicide costs.