Economic efficiency of desiccation: experience, calculations and practical cases

Introduction

Today's agribusinesses are looking for ways to maximize profitability and minimize risk. One of the solutions, which has been actively discussed in recent years — desiccation crops in the field. The topic is so relevant, that every year thousands of farmers analyze, to what extent it is justified to use this agricultural method and how it affects the economy of the farm. In this article you will find detailed calculations of the economic efficiency of desiccation, you will find out, where it is really profitable, and also familiarize yourself with real Ukrainian cases of application of this technology and typical mistakes. We will consider the selection of the optimal desiccant, possible risks and calculation tools, so that everyone can make an informed decision for their farm.

Principles of economic evaluation of desiccation: which is important to consider

Before, how to implement desiccation, it is worth objectively assessing the potential benefits and costs. For this, agronomists and economists take into account the following factors:

• The degree of uniform ripening of the culture — in crops with different flowering periods (example, sunflower, soybeans), desiccation allows to reduce losses from over-ripening or shedding.
• Moisture during harvesting — a decrease in grain moisture reduces drying costs and allows harvesting to begin earlier.
• Crop loss/saving — accelerated assembly protects against shedding, damage by pests and diseases.
• Additional costs — the cost of the drug, fuel, salary, depreciation of equipment, etc..
• Loss of part of the crop is possible — in case of incorrectly selected processing terms or non-compliance with the regulations.

As a result, it is the totality of these aspects that determines, whether the economic effect of desiccation will be positive in a particular case.

Here are the steps: how to calculate the economic feasibility of desiccation

1. Assessment of potential yield increase.
   Calculate possible losses when desiccation is abandoned (shedding, damage by diseases before harvesting). Example, if, on average, desiccation allows you to save on sunflowers 3-7% of the harvest - enter this figure into the calculation.
2. Desiccation costs:
   • Desiccant cost (preparation and delivery)
   • Fuel for the sprayer
   • Wages of employees
   • Depreciation of equipment, water
3. Savings on drying and logistics.
   Determine, how much money will be saved due to the reduction of moisture in the grain (the cost of drying per ton is often substantial).
4. The formula for calculating the economics of desiccation:
   

   Effect = (Additionally, the stored mass of grain x sales price) + (Savings on drying) – (Total costs for desiccation)

   Example for sunflower (100 it):

   • Crop capacity: 25 c/ga = 2 500 h
   • Desiccation preserved 5% crop: 125 c h 10 000 UAH/t = 1 250 000 UAH
   • Savings on drying (on 2500 h, 4%): 100 000 UAH
   • Desiccant costs + of: 120 000 UAH
   • Pure effect: 1 250 000 + 100 000 – 120 000 = 1 230 000 UAH

Typical mistakes when applying desiccation and how to avoid them

Some farms do not get the expected result or even experience losses. The most common reasons:

• Processing in an incorrect period (too soon or too late), resulting in quality or yield losses
• Selection of low-quality desiccant with low efficiency
• Violation of the flow rate of the working solution - insufficient permeability and uneven processing
• Neglect of weather factors (rains after processing, which reduces performance)
• Lack of proper preparation of the sprayer, the nozzle is clogged or the layout is not normal

How to prevent? The main thing is to follow the regulations and recommendations of the drug manufacturer, carefully choose the terms and take into account the state of the crop. Professional services can be used to select proven drugs, for example "means for desiccation on adam.ua", where effective solutions for different cultures and conditions are presented.

Cases and experience of farms: real economics of desiccation in Ukraine

Case 1: Sunflower, Cherkasy region
The farm grows 400 ha of sunflowers. Due to the unevenness of ripening and the risks of a rainy autumn, losses were recorded for several years in a row 8% crop. IN 2023 year introduced desiccation with the drug dicamba on 350 it. Result:

• Saved additionally 5,4% yield compared to the control, economic effect — +496 000 UAH after taking into account costs.
• Grain moisture at the time of harvesting decreased from 13,5% to 9,3% — savings on drying approx 56 000 UAH.
• Desiccation allowed the collection to begin 7 days before, which helped to avoid another wave of rains.

Case 2: Soybeans, Poltava region
IN 2022 year economy on 280 ha decided to carry out desiccation, to remove the field before the mass cracking of the beans begins. As a result, they kept close 2,5 c/ha of additional harvest (summarily: 700 quintals), and the profit due to reduced moisture and the sale of dry soybeans immediately amounted to +286 000 UAH.

Case 3: Crops, Vinnytsia region
Desiccation of wheat made it possible to synchronize the ripening of the field, avoid carrion, get clean grain for seed. The main effect is not an additional product, and maintaining quality, minimization of losses during combining and logistics. The economic calculation showed, that even with a modest price increase (4-5%), desiccation was warranted.

Tools for calculation and selection of desiccants

For modern farmers, it is important not to “act blindly”, and use analytics. Here are some practical tools:

• Expert calculators. Example, Excel tables, in which you can set the area, crop capacity, grain prices, the cost of the drugs and get the predicted economic result.
• Public recommendations for regions. Associations of seed growers, agrarian consultants and manufacturers of agricultural products regularly publish the results of experiments on the economic efficiency of desiccation of various crops (take into account the weather conditions of your area!).
• Drug selection services. To select the optimal desiccant and determine the working rate, use the following resources, as desiccants for different crops on adam.ua, where you can see the active ingredients, recommendations and typical application errors.

Approximate costs and benefits of desiccation (example on 100 it)

Indicator	Without desiccation	With desiccation
Crop losses	150 h	20 h
Drying costs	110 000 UAH	40 000 UAH
Cost of desiccation	–	120 000 UAH
Net profit	—	+1 200 000 UAH

This is a model example - put your numbers in for optimal analysis.

Conclusions: when desiccation is really cost effective

The practice of many farms has shown: the economic efficiency of desiccation depends on the culture, weather risks, relevant collection date and level of agricultural technology. If the terms are chosen correctly, a drug, organized implementation — desiccation returns the spent funds with a profit already in the first season. The main thing is to approach the issue systematically, calculate indicators and rely not only on the practice of neighbors, but also on own analysis and statistics. Check the efficiency, use modern tools and expert resources for drug selection. This will help to avoid mistakes and make desiccation a really profitable part of the technology in your farm.