Estimation of the cost of production of groundnut using different tillage methods and irrigation intervals under new Halfa area clay soil conditions, Sudan

الملخص EN

This study was conducted at the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Kassala, at New Halfa, Sudan, for two consecutive seasons (2003 / 04 and 2004/05) to estimate the cost and net returns of groundnut production in New Halfa area.

In this study, the most common methods of tillage and irrigation intervals followed by farmers were used in comparison with the recommended research methods.

The study consisted of three tillage treatments and three irrigation intervals.

For tillage treatments, a disc plow, disc harrow and ridger were used as principal tillage implements and no-tillage (zero-tillage) was adopted as control treatment.

On the other hand, the irrigation intervals used were 10, 15 and 20 days.

In all experimental units, the groundnut (Medani cultivar) was sown on ridges.

The cost of land preparation, sowing, irrigation, weed control and harvesting were determined.

Theoretical and actual field capacities and field efficiencies were determined for each implement.

Fixed and variable costs rated per hour for tractor and implements were calculated.

The groundnut crop value was obtained according to the then prevailing market price, consequently the net returns for each treatment was determined.

Results showed that, the use of disc plow as a principal implement in land preparation recorded the highest variable cost compared with the other implements tested; however the highest net returns were obtained when the land was prepared with disc plow and irrigated every 10 days.

The harvesting operations recorded the highest variable cost compared to all other operations used for groundnut production in New Halfa.