Economic Model and Viability of Agroecosystems for Soybean

A multifaceted field experiment for soybean was carried out in Croatia to assess the influence of tillage (TS) on selected economic indicators, that is, gross margin (GM), rate of profitability (ROP), cost-effectiveness (E), and productivity (P), and to provide a regression model for production planning. The investigated TS comprised the following parameters: CT - plowing (depth of 30 cm), DT - discing (depth of 8–12 cm), LT - soil loosening (depth of 35 cm), and no-tillage (NT). Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used, with four replications. Experimental plot for a given TS measured 540 m². Economic indicators were calculated based on the established economic formulae and standard evaluation criteria. The SAS software version 9.3 and Microsoft Excel 2016 were used for statistical analysis. GM was in the following range: NT (+12.9 %) > DT (+7.1 %) > LT (-15.4 %), with a significant difference concerning the CT (€278.60 ha-1). ROP on the LT was lower (-14.5 %) and higher on NT (+21.4 %) significantly compared to CT. The production of one ton of soybeans on the NT took 1.75 working hours, which was significantly less compared to other TS. The results with the regression model highlight the varying economic viability of the TS, with notable differences in input costs, profitability, and efficiency, thereby offering valuable insights for sustainable and economically optimized soybean production.