Economic Impacts of Cover Crops for a Missouri Wheat–Corn–Soybean Rotation

Zhen Cai, Ranjith P. Udawatta, Clark J. Gantzer, Shibu Jose, Larry Godsey and Lauren Cartwright
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Zhen Cai: The Center for Agroforestry, The School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
Ranjith P. Udawatta: The Center for Agroforestry, The School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
Clark J. Gantzer: The School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
Shibu Jose: College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
Larry Godsey: Agri-Business, Missouri Valley College, Marshall, MO 65340, USA
Lauren Cartwright: Natural Resources Conservation Service Missouri, Columbia, MO 65203, USA

Agriculture, 2019, vol. 9, issue 4, 1-13

Abstract: In the United States, agricultural production using row-crop farming has reduced crop diversity. Repeated growing of the same crop in a field reduces soil productivity and increases pests, disease infestations, and weed growth. These negative effects can be mitigated by rotating cash crops with cover crops. Cover crops can improve soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, provide ground cover, and sequester soil carbon. This study examines the economic profitability for a four-year wheat–corn–soybean study with cover crops by conducting a field experiment involving a control (without cover crops) at the Soil Health Farm in Chariton County, MO, USA. Our findings suggested that economic profitability of the cash crop is negatively affected by the cover crop during the first two years but were positive in the fourth year. The rotation with cover crops obtained the same profit as in the control group if revenue from the cash crop increased by 35% or the cost of the cover crop decreased by 26% in the first year, depending on the cost of seeding the cover crop and terminating it. This study provides insights for policymakers on ways to improve the economic efficiency of cost-share conservation programs.

Keywords: green manure; costs; benefits; net present value; revenue; wheat–corn–soybean rotation; yields (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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