Profit, Cost, and Soil Erosion Implications of Dryland Crop Production Systems: Texas High Plains

Abstract

Environmentalists, farmers, legislators, and researchers are interested in reduced soil erosion, water quality protection, reduced use of purchased inputs, and greater farm net returns. This paper determines if these are simultaneously obtainable goals on the Texas High Plains. A crop simulation model is used to estimate crop yield and soil erosion for each of 14 alternative dryland farming systems that include cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.]. A crop budget generator is then used to estimate costs and returns from each of the cropping systems. Reduced till continuous cotton resulted in slightly higher net returns than conventional till cotton while using less diesel fuel. Adding wheat as a winter cover crop to a reduced till continuous cotton system reduced soil erosion by approximately 5 ton/acre/yr and also reduced net returns by $16/acre due to increased purchase of inputs.

Development of an Optimal Water Allocation Decision Tool for the Major Crops During the Water Deficit Period in the Southeast United States

“…In particular, daily rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, and wind data were used to simulate the crop yield. Bryant et al [1992] used the EPIC model to simulate yield response of corn to irrigation water in the southern Texas High Plains. They used actual experimental data to validate the simulation results, finding that simulated yield explained up to 86 percent of the variation in actual yields.…”