Decision-support system (DSS) IoFarm was developed to identify economically optimal fertilizer strategies on the farm level. The average cost savings are 66 EUR ha−1. This study aimed to determine whether this approach impacts yield, protein content, and market performance in crop production compared to usual farm-fertilization strategies. Few DSSs for fertilizer optimization consider multiple nutrients. DSSs with a clear focus on both fertilizer intensity and the least-cost combination of fertilizers are even rarer. To the best of our knowledge, there is no information in the literature on the impact of such DSSs on yield, protein content, and market performance for cereal–maize crop rotation. This study determines for the first time whether the financial benefits of using such an optimization tool are in conflict with important agronomic goals. In a three-year field trial, IoFarm was compared to standard farm-fertilization strategies. Results were evaluated with an analysis of variance followed by post hoc tests. No significant differences in yield, protein content, and market performance were found for comparable fertilization variants (with or without organic fertilization). However, differences exist in the selection of fertilizers and the timing of fertilization. Results show the agronomic comparability of IoFarm and usual farm-fertilizer strategies.
Fertilizer prices have risen worldwide since the end of 2021. In this context, the value of organic fertilizers has also changed from the farmers’ perspective. Hence, an open question about their value arises with an increased demand for organic fertilizers. This question must be addressed individually for each farm. Hence, a linear optimization model is applied. The model can be adapted to farm conditions and provides mineral and organic fertilizers as plant nutrition variables. The price level at which an organic fertilizer becomes competitive within the farm can be identified by parameterizing the organic fertilizer prices. This substitution value marks the maximum price a buyer could pay for a particular fertilizer. This method is repeated in the study in different scenarios. For an exemplary digestate (N-P2O5-K2O = 5-2-5 kg per ton), substitution values between EUR 1.70 and EUR 16 per ton could be determined, excluding transport and application cost. This study provides a basis for a decision support system that farmers can use to determine the value of organic fertilizers. As a positive implication, it can be expected that organic fertilizers will be used where they contribute best to value creation.
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