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Yield Response to Nitrogen in Agricultural Production Models

Author

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  • Gallagher, Nicholas
  • Kakimoto, Shunkei

Abstract

There is a growing need to develop a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation policies aimed at reducing nitrogen loading in agricultural production. However, existing agricultural production models often fail to accurately represent farmers’ decision-making processes regarding nitrogen fertilizer use, particularly in relation to other crop management practices such as crop rotation and tillage. This paper presents a novel modeling framework that endogenizes the yield response to nitrogen in agricultural production models. By integrating a continuous yield response function based on the Mitscherlich-Baule formulation, the framework captures the interrelated decisions of nitrogen application, crop rotation, and tillage practices. Calibrated to Minnesota agriculture, the model successfully replicates observed land allocation, tillage choices, and nitrogen use while providing enhanced responsiveness to policy incentives. The results demonstrate that this approach not only improves the representation of farmer behavior but also serves as a valuable tool for evaluating conservation policies aimed at reducing environmental nitrogen loading.

Suggested Citation

  • Gallagher, Nicholas & Kakimoto, Shunkei, 2025. "Yield Response to Nitrogen in Agricultural Production Models," 2025 AAEA & WAEA Joint Annual Meeting, July 27-29, 2025, Denver, CO 360643, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea25:360643
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.360643
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    References listed on IDEAS

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