A bioeconomic decision model comparing composted and fresh litter for winter squash

Abstract Decision aids are needed to identify management strategies for complex agricultural problems affecting numerous stakeholders. Our objective was to develop a bioeconomic decision aid examining poultry litter application to winter squash, Cucurbita maxima , on the basis of multiple goals: enhancing environmental and soil quality, maximizing waste recycling, and maximizing net revenues. Because farm-level decisions about waste management may conflict with community goals, the decision aid balances the preferences of squash growers, poultry producers, and community-level decision makers. The aid utilizes a simulation model that compares four litter management alternatives: (1) fresh poultry litter applied to meet crop nitrogen (N) needs; (2) fresh poultry litter applied to meet crop phosphorus (P) needs; (3) composted poultry litter to meet crop N needs; and (4) composted poultry litter to meet crop P needs. Output from biophysical submodels compares well to literature data. Sensitivity tests show strong correlation between nutrient accumulation in soil pools and estimates of potentially available nutrients in fresh and composted litter. The decision model outcome, when averaged across stakeholder groups, clearly favors composted litter applied to meet crop P needs. Decision aids can help various stakeholder groups see how their priorities interact as well as demonstrate the importance of long-term analysis to assess alternative management strategies.

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