Economic comparison of weed control systems in conservation tillage systems AL, AR, CA, GA, LA, MS, SC, TX

摘要

A three to five year study (1998-2002) was initiated by Monsanto to address barriers to Conservation Tillage cotton and develop agronomic systems to maintain or increase yields, lower production cost, and incorporate new technologies, such as, Roundup Ready and Bollgard Cotton. Six Centers of Excellence (COE) were established in locations with low adaptation of conservation tillage systems. Four additional locations were established in 1999. Basic comparisons include three tillage systems: no-till, conservation tillage, and conventional tillage. Each of these tillage comparisons have three herbicide treatments: Roundup Ultra only, Roundup Ultra plus a limited residual, and Roundup Ultra with a full spectrum of residuals. There were no significant differences in weed control between treatments at any locations. Average cost of weed control treatments range dollar 30/A to dollar 50/A. Tillage cost ranged from dollar 0/A to dollar 35/A. Based on 1998-99 results, residual herbicides are not necessary to obtain excellent weed control with timely application of Roundup Ultra in a Roundup Ready system. No-Till (1998) and Conservation tillage (1999) yields were the highest across locations. When comparing cost of tillage herbicide systems and herbicide application cost across the COE sites in all three tillage systems, the Roundup Ready system (non-residual) had the lowest cost followed by the limited residual and full residual. Conservation tillage was dollar 20.68/A more expensive than the no-till system. Conventional tillage was dollar 45.08/A more expensive than the no-tillage system. Cotton growers converting to no-till or conservation tillage should consider and weigh the complementing benefits of non-residuals, less labor, less trips, less equipment, lower repair, and comparable yields for a lower production cost.