Returns to Corn Pest Management Practices

摘要

Productivity of pesticides applied to nonirrigated corn is estimated and the non-chemical pest management practices used by corn farmers in the 10 major producing States during 1980 are discussed. The return of $1 spent on herbicides and insecticides was $1.05 and $1.03, respectively. Corn farmers generally applied herbicides and insecticides at optimal levels in 1980. Yields did not vary among tillage systems, but were significantly lower for farmers who mechanically cultivated their fields more than once after planting compared to farmers who cultivated less. Pesticide use and cost varied significantly among these cultural practices.