USDA-ARS researchers also worked with economists at South Dakota State University to evaluate the economics of the different rotations, including crop prices and production costs. They determined that some four-year rotations have a higher benefit-cost ratio.

Several years ago, Lewis Krueger wasn’t happy with the erosion taking place on many of the 700 acres he farms near Brillion, Wis. Along with the help of government conservation funding, he invested considerable dollars, time and effort into combatting soil loss problems in eroded areas and waterways.