Farm-level Costs and Benefits of Beneficial Management Practices for Irrigated Crop Production Systems in Southern Alberta

This study conducted analysis to model adoption of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) by a representative irrigated cropping operation in southern Alberta. Three base rotations were developed that include combinations of cereals/oilseeds, dry beans, potatoes and sugar beets. Stochastic irrigation application costs, crop prices and yields were incorporated in the analysis, along with participation in public business risk management programs. Farm-level costs and benefits of BMPs, including adding alfalfa and green manure into rotations, applying cattle manure, crop residue management, and nutrient management planning, were estimated using Monte Carlo simulation and Net Present Value analysis methods.;According to this study, most of the BMPs are costly to producers except for applying cattle manure and nutrient management planning BMPs. Thus, to encourage the adoption of BMPs, economic incentives may be required for the "costly" BMPs, while information programs may be used for the economically feasible BMPs.