Signalling of Agrophages Platform

Calculator – cost-effective use of plant protection products

determined by their biological properties, general environmental conditions and agrotechnical man-made factors. The aim is to bring pest infestations down to a level where the cost of plant protection falls below that of the damage caused by crop pests and diseases and weeds.

Numerous ratios, including the E and Q indicators, describe the cost-effectiveness of chemical plant protection treatments.

The E indicator is used to compare the value of successfully protected yields against the cost of the plant protection products used. It is a ratio of the value of the salvaged yield to the cost of the plant protection products purchased to control pests in crops.

If E is greater than 1, the treatment is deemed to be cost-effective.

The Q indicator is used to estimate the cost of plant protection products relative to the value of the yield produced. It is a ratio of the cost of plant protection products to yield value, expressed as a percentage.

If Q is exceeds 10%, the treatment is too costly relative to yield value.

Without control measures, crop pests in Poland damage an estimated 20–30% of the yield.

Typically, the cost of purchasing plant protection products is estimated on the assumption that 20% of yield may be damaged.

In estimating yield and crop damage, direct payments (SAP; CAP; excise duty refund for fuel used in agriculture; sugar and other subsidies) are factored in.

by mgr Tomasz Krasiński