J.M. Krupinsky, D.L. Tanaka, J.S. Fehmi, S.D. Merrill, J.R. Hendrickson, R.E. Ries, M.A. Liebig, S. Wright, and J.D. Hanson.
Abstract
A computer program entitled “Crop Sequence Calculator” is designed by USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists to help assess crop production and the potential returns of growing safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in a diverse cropping system rotated with other crops. The program can calculate the expected yield of ten crops grown in any two-year combination. Expected crop prices and expected loan deficiency payments (LDP) can be entered to provide rapid calculation of potential returns. The program contains information on crop production, plant diseases, weeds, crop water use, and surface soil properties to aid producers in their evaluation of management risks associated with different crop sequences. Information is only applicable to the Northern Great Plains with precipitation averaging less than 17 inches (43 cm), annually.
Key words: computer program, crop production, assessment