ARS | Publication request: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE ROTATION CROPS IN POTATO CROPPING SYSTEMS

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 2, 2003
Publication Date: November 20, 2003
Citation: Halloran, J.M., Griffin, T.S., Honeycutt, C.W. 2003. An economic analysis of alternative rotation crops in potato cropping systems. Agronomy Abstracts.

Technical Abstract: Potato cropping systems in New England include both continuous potatoes and potatoes rotated with small grains. Producers recognize the benefits of increased rotations, but the economics of producing a high-valued crop, such as potatoes, create incentives for continuous potato production. Research at the USDA-ARS research site in Newport, Maine is evaluating the agronomic and economic impacts of six crops in two-year rotations on potato yield and whole-farm profitability. Preliminary results show that certain rotation crops have a positive impact on the following potato crop. The impact on yield can reduce nitrogen needs and production costs. Simulation was conducted to determine the impact of rotation crops on whole-farm profitability and income risk. Rotation crops, such as sweet corn, can increase financial return to land and management. Several crops, while not increasing overall whole-farm profitability, were found to significantly reduce income risk. These findings provide support for including rotation crops as a method to improve potato production and sustainability, increase whole-farm profitability, and reduce income risk.