Comparison of the economic performance of organic and conventional corn–soybean–winter wheat rotations in southwestern Ontario, Canada

Abstract

The economic viability of using summer-seeded legume cover crops (crimson clover, red clover, hairy vetch) as a primary nitrogen (N) source for an organic corn (<i>Zea mays</i> L.)-soybean (<i>Glycine max </i>(L.) Merr.)-winter wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) rotation was determined on a sandy loam soil in southwestern Ontario, Canada, by comparing gross profit for organic production (organic sources of N and phosphorus, no herbicides) to conventional production (no cover crops, synthetic fertilizers and herbicides added). Profits were determined for the initial three-year transition period from conventional to organic production (2015-2017), and for five years of certified organic production (2018-2022). During the transition period when conventional crop prices applied to both production systems, organic production profits (CAD $1148-1869 ha<sup>-1</sup> per rotation) were lower than conventional profits (CAD $2126 ha<sup>-1</sup> per rotation). During the certified organic period when price premiums were applied, organic soybean and corn profits (CAD $1995-2274 ha<sup>-1</sup> and $2819-3195 ha<sup>-1</sup> per year, respectively) were significantly greater than conventional soybean and corn profits (CAD $536 ha<sup>-1</sup> and $1926 per ha<sup>-1</sup>, respectively). Winter wheat profits were slightly higher for organic production (CAD $426 to $825 ha-1 per year) than for conventional production (CAD $371 ha<sup>-1</sup> per year). During the certified organic production period, profits from the three year rotations were CAD $5533-6153 ha<sup>-1</sup> for organic production, and CAD $2860 ha<sup>-1</sup> for conventional production. It was concluded that an organic rotation of corn-soybean-winter wheat/legume cover crop can be economically viable and more profitable than conventional production on sandy loam soil in southwestern Ontario.