Profitability of Cropping Systems Featuring Tillage and Compost

Abstract

Productivity rather than profitability is often used to compare agronomic systems. The objective of this study was to compare profitability of moldboard plow, chisel plow, and no‐tillage with or without composted animal manure in a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/clover (Trifolium spp.) rotation during three rotation cycles. Corn and soybean grain and seed yield exhibited a tillage × compost amendment interaction. Yield in moldboard and chisel plow with or without compost was similar, but yield in no‐tillage with compost was 8 and 5% greater than without compost for corn and soybean. Wheat yielded 5% higher in moldboard and chisel plow than no‐tillage and 4% higher in compost than no‐compost amendment. Wheat returns were similar among tillage and 7% higher when compost was amended. Corn production with or without compost amendment had similar returns in moldboard plow. Corn in chisel plow with compost had 8% greater returns than the no‐compost treatment. Corn in no‐tillage with compost had 15% greater returns with compost amendment than without. Similar corn returns were generated for all tillage systems if compost was applied. Soybean production using no‐tillage had 9% greater returns than without compost and greater returns than moldboard and chisel plow with or without compost. Summing returns across the three‐crop rotation indicated cycling nutrients through compost application exhibits a functional synergy in no‐tillage and chisel plow but not moldboard plow for these crops, which enhances their profitability.