Economics of alternative tillage systems in dryland crop rotations in U.S. Great Plains

Abstract

Tillage systems change as new findings or obstacles arise, from conventional tillage (CT) in the past to conservation tillage [reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT)] to possibly occasional tillage (OT)]. This research was needed to answer the economics of these various tillage systems and how the re-introduction of a single tillage changes the cost and revenue of long-term NT. An Economic analyses of these alternative tillage systems, based on long-term field research, is limited. The specific objective of this research was to quantify the relative economic advantages of various tillage systems (CT, RT, NT, and OT) in a wheat-sorghum-fallow (W-S-F) rotation in the central Great Plains. Results of two long-term field research studies conducted in western Kansas were used for this analysis. The first study was conducted from 2001 to 2018 to compare CT, RT, and NT systems and the second study from 2014 to 2018 at two locations to compare NT with OT. Results showed average NT sorghum yields were more than double the average yields of CT and 58 % greater than RT. There were no significant differences in wheat or sorghum yields between NT and OT. Total cost of production for the W-S-F system increased in the order NT>RT>CT. However, the NT system had the greatest average return, about $76 and $146 ha-1 greater than RT and CT, respectively. Net returns were not different between NT and OT. In support with our initial hypothesis, we concluded that a NT system has yield and profit advantages over RT and CT. And if a onetime OT is necessary in a long-term NT system, crop yields and return will not be significantly affected in the first 5 years after the OT.