Economics of Cover Crop and Supplemental Fertilizer in Strip Tillage Cotton

Cover crop selection plays an important role in strip-tillage cotton production in Georgia. Some benefits of growing a cover crop in row crop systems include reduced soil erosion and the possibility for reduced fertilizer inputs. An economic analysis was conducted using a partial budget approach to determine how cover crops and supplemental nitrogen application impact profitability. Field research was conducted in 2012 in Tifton, GA where cotton was grown under strip-tillage management following a crimson clover, vetch, rye, or wheat cover crop or a no cover control and supplemental nitrogen applications of zero, 30, 60 or 90 pounds of nitrogen per acre.  There were a total of 80 plots (5 cover crop treatments × 4 fertilizer treatments × 4 reps) in a randomized complete block design.  Yield data were collected to determine gross revenue.  Revenue was based on the average southeast base price.  Gross revenue was highest when cotton followed the leguminous cover crops, crimson clover and vetch. Gross revenue was also higher at 60 and 90 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Systems costs were collected for cover crop, fertilizer and marketing costs. Adjusted revenue, defined as revenue adjusted for yield, cover crop cost, fertilizer cost and marketing cost was calculated to determine the most profitable combination of cover crop and supplemental fertilizer.