Economic comparison of conventional and conservation tillage in a long-term experiment: Is it worth shifting?

There is considerable knowledge regarding the environmental benefits of conservation agriculture (CA). However, long-term profitability data are limited, despite their potential to drive CA adoption. This study analyses and compares the economic indicators of conservation reduced tillage (CT) widely practiced in Central Europe with those of conventional ploughing tillage (PT). This research investigated the costs and incomes under CT and assessed the impact of CT on crop yields and profitability over a 20-year period (2004–2023). The study covered 83 ha in 10 paired plots (from year 13 onwards, 76 ha in 9 paired plots), including extreme weather conditions and 6 crops. All annual data were adjusted to 2024 price levels to maintain consistency. Piecewise linear regression was applied to the data, revealing four distinct temporal phases. On the basis of profit, periods ‘Transitional’ (years 1–3), ‘Adapted 1’ (years 4–10), ‘Steady’ (years 11–17) and ‘Adapted 2’ (years 18–20) were separated. During the transitional period, profit under CT decreased by an average of 11.9% compared with PT, but subsequent periods indicated positive results. Therefore, the shift from year 7 onwards resulted in a profit increase. Over 20 years, material costs for CT plots were 1.9% higher and operating costs were 9.8% lower compared with PT. In addition, gross income increased by 2.3%, leading to a 13.0% higher profit on CT compared with PT plots, which could encourage wider adoption of CT by farmers.