Some factors to consider in making a decision include cost, risk, labor and management requirements, and producer preferences. For most tobacco producers, cost per acre is the primary factor behind their choice of transplant systems. Costs differ not only for each system but also across farm operations. For this reason, producers should consider their own input costs and expectations when evaluating transplant costs. Table 3 provides a separate column for producers to evaluate the costs of their current transplant production system against alternative transplant systems.
Risk is a factor that can dramatically affect transplant cost.
Generally, risk increases from plant beds to float systems and is highest in the outdoor direct seed float system. These risks can potentially affect the usable plant rate and plant quality. Producers should consider that higher levels of management are required to offset the increased risks in float plant production. Risk management is essential in outdoor direct seeding systems. The success of this system is highly dependent on weather conditions and management within the first 15 days after seeding.