Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

During the cultivation season there are a several cropping activities to carry out. At what time these activities are carried out is affecting the result and also on the economy of the crop production. As the production costs are high in potato production, it is important to keep an eye on the economy. Profitability is the most important factor in most crop production systems. If the costs are not covered, it is difficult to justify the production. In the starch potato cultivation this is no exception. In this study, the relationships between the timing of certain plant cultivation measures have been drawn together with the financial results of the starch potato cultivation. This has been done together with Lyckeby Starch AB and five farmers in southern Sweden. The material has been collected from the cultivation records, interviews and field observations on the farms. All financial calculations are made for standard-value cost. In this study it was concluded that there are a differences between the economic performances of the different farms. This is because they are maximizes efforts but not get the yield they need to cover their costs. In 2009, it was more profitable to decrease the input intensity and receive a lower yield. The last kg getting in harvest high-stakes do not cover the cost as in the cases studied. Several studies on this area are needed to clarify if you can get a higher income by adapting the cultivation activities. This study has not demonstrated that the timing of planting, weed control, irrigation, fungicidal and insecticidal has had impact on the profitability of starch potato cultivation. But it is likely that the timing is nonetheless of great importance. In short, the important thing to keep track on is, kg starch received per input cost, instead of just trying to maximize yield.