The Variable Input Crop Management Study (VICMS) was initiated in 1989. This study is designed to evaluate the effects of various management levels. (No Input, Lower Purchased Inputs, Higher Purchased Inputs, and Organic Inputs) on two crop rotations (corn-soybean and corn-soybean-oat-alfalfa). This study has every crop every year, so all treatments are presented each year. Each treatment is replicated three times, which totals to 72 plots [4 mgmt. levels * 6 crops (4 yr. + 2 yr. rotations) * 3 replications]. In 1990, one third of the No Input plots were planted with native grass. This allows us to make comparisons between natural and disturbed soil dynamics.

Fact Sheets:

• Long Term Effects of Crop Management: Yield ~ vicmsyield.pdf
• Long Term Effects of Crop Management: Soil Quality ~ vicmssoil.pdf
• Long Term Effects of Crop Management: Profitability~ vicmsecon.pdf

Researchers:

Dr. Kent Crookston - Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
Dr. Dave Huggins - Department of Soil, Water, and Climate
Dr. Paul Porter - Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
Dr. Elizabeth Dyck - Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics

Published Papers:

Profitability of organic cropping systems in Southwestern Minnesota.” Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 19(1):35-46, 2004.