AN ECONOMIC-ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE CROPPING AND ROW SPACING SYSTEMS FOR SOYBEAN PRODUCTION

Conflicting results have been reported in the literature concerning th e effects of narrow row spacings on soybean Glycine max(L). Merr.] pro duction in the southern USA. The objective of this study was to revisi t the issue by evaluating some economic implications of alternative ro w spacing arrangements on soybean performance under both irrigated and nonirrigated conditions. Data from 3-yr continuous soybean experiment s conducted at the Northeast Research and Extension Center, Keiser, AR , between 1990 and 1992 were used for this purpose. Enterprise budgeti ng was employed to determine the nature of costs and returns associate d with alternative production systems. Simple variability and break-ev en analyses were used to provide preliminary insights into the probabl e sensitivities of alternative practices to fluctuations in production and economic environments. The results indicated that narrow row syst ems (usually between 10 and 20 in.) could enhance yields and net retur ns either under nonirrigated or irrigated conditions. A yield increase of between 15 and 30% was obtained under nonirrigated conditions, whi le an improvement in yields ranging from 10 to 17% was obtained under irrigation. Furthermore, results from break-even analysis supported th e use of narrow row systems for enhancing net returns relative to wide row arrangements under a production environment that is characterized by fluctuations in yields and output prices.