While the two systems returned similar profits, the low-input system incurred lower variable costs. The 12-year study is underway at two Wisconsin sites in Columbia and Walworth Counties. Alfalfa is interseeded with oats and other crops, including ryegrass, red clover, and forage peas.
Corn is grown without herbicides, insecticides, and commercial inorganic fertilizers.
The high-input system relies on high levels of inputs to establish alfalfa, control insects and weeds, and provide nutrients. This system follows three years of alfalfa with one year of corn. The two cropping systems provided similar gross margins returns within each site. CIAS economist Don Schuster and former CIAS Director Rick Klemme used a gross margins analysis to compare the profitability of the two cropping systems. Gross margins are calculated by subtracting variable costs of production, like seed, fertilizer, chemicals, repairs, supplies, and fuel, from gross revenue.