ECONOMICS OF A HAIRY VETCH MULCH SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING FRESH-MARKET TOMATOES IN THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Concern for the environment has focussed attention on the need for env ironmentally sound, yet economically profitable, farming practices, A hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L. Roth.) organic mulch system for fresh-ma rket tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production provides enviro nmental benefits by enhancing the soil and reducing the need for ferti lizer and herbicide inputs and is more profitable than conventional pr actices, Tomato field trials over 3 years at the Beltsville (Md,) Agri cultural Research Center compared the hairy vetch mulch system with bl ack polyethylene mulch and bare ground (no mulch), Using partial budge t analysis in a farm context, the hairy vetch mulch treatment was more profitable in all years under all market and yield adjustment scenari os. The vetch mulch system also was the preferred system for a risk-av erse grower, according to a safety-first criterion. The combination of environmental benefits and the economic benefits to the grower make t he hairy vetch mulch system an attractive alternative for producing fr esh-market tomatoes in the Mid-Atlantic and parts of northeastern Unit ed States.