Exploring the economic viability and agronomic effects of green manure mixtures on winter wheat yields in organic farming in Latvia: a multi-location study

I. Morozova*, I. Jansone and S. Cerina

Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics1, Department of Plant Breeding and Agroecology, Zinatnes Str. 2, Priekuļi, Priekuļi parish, LV-4126 Cesis municipality, Latvia
*Correspondence: inga.morozova@arei.lv

Abstract:

This study explores the adaptation of green manure practices to Latvia’s climatic and soil conditions to enhance soil productivity and economic returns in organic farming systems. The study aims to identify the most suitable green manure mixture by evaluating economic factors, dry matter yield, nutrient amount, and its impact on winter wheat yields in organic fields across different locations in Latvia, considering variations in meteorological conditions. Field trials compared three mixtures: oats-mustard-oilseed rape–buckwheat (non-legume), oats-buckwheat-peas (legumes < 50%), and oats-lupin-vetch (legumes > 50%) against a control (black fallow). Data were collected on dry matter production, nutrient accumulation (N, P, K amount), winter wheat yields, and economic performance. The results revealed a significant variation in dry matter yield depending on year and location. Mixture with non-legumes at the farms ‘Gaikeni’ and ‘Geidas’, as well as mixture with legumes below 50% at ‘Gaikeni’, Ltd. ‘Mazbungas’, and ‘IRGK serviss’, produced significantly higher dry matter yields (P < 0.05). Despite lower biomass yield in certain years, mixture with legumes above 50%, through the follow-up effect, significantly increased winter wheat yields under optimal conditions at Ltd. ‘Mazbungas’ and farm ‘Gaikeni’ being higher by 96.05% and 93.59%, respectively, compared to the control. Economic analysis revealed significant gross margin advantages for green manure cultivation, demonstrating its financial viability. This study underscores the potential of green manure practices in enhancing the sustainability of organic farming, improving yields, and increasing profitability, while highlighting the importance of selecting region-specific mixtures to account for climatic variability.

Key words:

legume and non-legume mixtures, nutrient amount, yield potential

An agro-economic analysis of grain production in Estonia after its transition to market economy

N. Vasiliev¹, A. Astover¹, H. Roostalu¹ and E. Matveev²

¹Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: nivas@emu.ee
²Rural Economy Research Centre, Jäneda, Lääne-Virumaa, 73602, Estonia

Abstract:

For analysing agronomic efficiency and economic criteria, the results of variety comparison tests of cereals, performed in Estonia during twenty years, national statistics and the data of the survey of the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) for 2000–2003 were summarised. Farms whose grain production contributed more than 75% to total output were selected for analysis. At present only ~40–50% of the real yield potential of cereals is realised. In case of oilseed rape the utilisation of the yield potential is 60–65%. Among the cereals, the largest share is accounted for by barley with 25–43% and wheat with 15–29%. During four years (2000–2003), total inputs increased 21%. Total inputs were the highest in large farms. As an average for 2000–2003 FADN grain producers were profitable in all size groups but consideration of total labour costs indicates that small grain farms were unprofitable. Average farm family income was 1,376 EEK ha^-1. There is a non-linear relationship between farm size and economic indicators. Farm family income increases up to ~400 ha. The increase is most significant in the size range 40–200 ha where the increase in farm size by one hectare increases profit by 7.6 EEK ha^-1. Further increase will decelerate profit and the most efficient use of labour occurs in this size range as well. Cost benefit is the highest for farm size ranging from ~150 to 400 ha. Profit decreases with the increase in one annual work unit by 508 EEK ha^-1 and production becomes unprofitable in case a grain farm employs more than 2.6 workers per 100 ha.

Key words: