Short- and long-term cost comparisons of conventional and conservation tillage systems in corn production

ABSTRACT:

Short- and long-term costs of production were determined for four tillage systems on a representative 400-acre corn farm. The focus was on direct production costs and the amount and type of tillage operations that determine fuel, repair, labor, and machinery ownership costs. Timeliness of conservation tillage was also analyzed. In the short term, total production costs were about 2, 11, and 18% greater for the chisel, till-plant, and no-till systems, respectively, compared to the conventional system. In contrast, long-term costs were nearly equal among the four systems. Lower long-term costs for no-till and till-plant systems resulted from reductions in the N fertilization rate and the substitution of anhydrous amonia for a 28% N formulation. Also, machinery costs declined in the long term due to reductions in both size and number of tractors and the elimination of the plow and disk. Higher short-term costs and risks of lower yields with conservation tillage may restrict farmer acceptance of these systems. However, long-term costs indicate that conservation tillage can compete with conventional tillage if comparable yields can be obtained. More timely planting with conservation tillage may take advantage of the estimated 1 bushel/day yield decline for corn planted after May 1. In the short term, because farmers using conservation tillage may have underused equipment and equipment designed for heavy residue situations, there may be short-term opportunity for custom field work. Another alternative may be to plant additional acreage. These possibilities would reduce the cost differences in the short term and enhance the attractiveness of conservation tillage in the long term.