Application of Soil Amendment to Improve Farmer’s Income in Corn, Beans, Cotton, Soybeans, Kales and Mustard Production in the United States of America

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of soil amendment applications on improving farmers' income in the production of corn, beans, cotton, soybeans, kale, and mustard greens in the United States. By examining various soil amendment practices, this research aims to identify the most effective methods for enhancing soil fertility, crop yields, and overall profitability for farmers. This study used a descriptive research design and secondary data sources. The dataset was retrieved from the archives of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), USDA Economic Research Service (ERS), and relevant scientific studies. The dataset period ranges from 2000 to 2022. As part of the findings, this study found that the application of compost and biochar significantly improved corn yields. On average, corn fields treated with compost saw a 15% increase in yields, while biochar treatments resulted in a 20% yield improvement. The study further reveals that the increased yields from soil amendments led to higher incomes for corn farmers, whereby on average, corn farmers experienced a $150 per acre increase in profit due to the yield improvements from soil amendments. Again, the study found that organic amendments such as manure and compost improved bean yields by 12% and 18%, respectively, while lime application in acidic soils resulted in a 10% increase in yields. Also, the study found that soil amendments such as gypsum and biochar increased cotton yields by 10% and 15%, respectively, which in effect aid cotton farmers to experience an average income increase of $200 per acre due to the improved yields from soil amendments. In summary, the application of soil amendments presents a viable solution to the challenges of soil degradation, low crop productivity, and economic pressure on farmers in the United States. Through the enhancement of soil health, soil amendments have proven to significantly improve yields for essential crops such as corn, beans, cotton, soybeans, kale, and mustard greens. Improved crop yields directly translate to higher farmer incomes, contributing to the economic sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Keywords: Soil, Amendments, Crops, Income, Farmers, Agriculture, Economic Growth, Corn, Kale, Beans, Cotton, Soybeans, Mustard green, and Production

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/14-4-04

Publication date: June 30th 2024