ABSTRACT

Changes in government farm programs and tighten profit margins have forced producers to explore ways to increase profits and import production efficiency in farming operations. Incentives are now in place to develop and utilize farming systems that reduce costs while maintaining or increasing yields. Utilizing an economically and environmentally sound sustainable crop rotation system is one way that is being used to reduce costs, reduce pest pressures, and increase yields. The main production limitations in the Southeast are poor soils, drought conditions, and pest problems. Rotation systems are a means to reduce the impact on these limitations. A good rotation system will add organic matter to infertile soils for better nutrient and water holding capacity, will lower compaction, and reduce pest levels. Studies throughout the Southeast have shown that both cotton and peanut yields may be increased by utilizing recommended crop rotation systems. In some cases the economic benefits was not evident but overall in the Southeast both yields and economic returns improved with crop rotation. In Florida and Georgia yields for cotton and peanuts have improved by as much as 25 percent due to rotations. Economic returns increased over 15 percent in the two states in some experiments and on-farm studies. Alabama results have also shown positive returns of 10 percent due to rotations. However, a six-year rotation in North Carolina has shown that continuous cotton has a higher per acre return than the rotation systems. This is partly due to higher production costs and low prices for other commodities. Production costs vary throughout the Southeast for cotton. In some areas crop rotations may actually decrease per acre production costs. Some of the studies indicate costs are increased but are more than offset by increased yields. Labor constraints are also a factor that should be considered in the decision. Individual operations may be limited in what type of production system to use by labor availability. Producers need to carefully consider rotation systems as a way to maintain on increase profits and improve soil and cropping conditions. Choices among rotational systems are often more dependent on local agronomic and management considerations than on yield increases and rotational profitability.