Input Cost
Substitution Model

USDA ERS · OFRF 2024 · NRCS

Synthetic-to-organic input cost substitution analysis by crop system — fertility, pest management, cover crops, and cultivation labor — with break-even premium threshold calculation.

SF31-EC.4012 Input Cost Substitution Model

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Crop System

Acreage

Conv. Synthetic N Fertilizer ($/ac)

Conv. Synthetic P/K Fertilizer ($/ac)

Conv. Herbicide Cost ($/ac)

Conv. Insecticide/Fungicide ($/ac)

Organic Compost/Manure ($/ac)

Cover Crop Seed ($/ac)

Organic Pest/Disease Mgmt ($/ac)

Extra Cultivation Labor ($/ac)

Research Foundation & Data Sources

USDA ERS (2024). Commodity Costs and Returns. Input cost benchmarks for major crops by production system.

OFRF (2024). Organic Cost of Production Survey. Input substitution costs by crop category.

USDA NRCS. Cover Crop Seeding Rates and Establishment Costs. Practice Standard 340.

Magdoff, F. & Van Es, H. (2009). Building Soils for Better Crops. Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE).

Input CostSubstitution Model

Input Cost
Substitution Model