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Description

Double cropping—the practice of growing two crops sequentially on the same plot within a single growing season—can enhance land productivity, increase food supply, and improve economic returns for farmers. Understanding the key drivers of double cropping, such as crop prices and climate conditions, is essential for optimizing agricultural strategies. This study examines the economic and environmental factors influencing double cropping acreage in North Carolina, with a focus on soybean prices and dryness levels. Using the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) USDA Cropland Data Layer (CDL), statistical models were developed to assess the significance of soybean prices and dryness levels on double cropping acreage. The results indicate that, collectively, soybean prices and dryness levels significantly influence double cropping acreage. However, an overly dry summer and land dryness alone do not have a statistically significant effect. By analyzing statewide trends, this study enhances the understanding of how farmers respond to market conditions and climate variability. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to support decision-making that optimizes farm productivity and sustainability.

Publication Date

4-1-2025

Keywords

double cropping, soybean prices, climate variability, North Carolina agriculture, crop rotation, drought impact, economic factors, environmental factors, USDA NASS, Cropland Data Layer, statistical modeling, agricultural policy, farm productivity, sustainability, market conditions, climate change adaptation, soybean acreage, dryness levels, agricultural decision-making, crop yield optimization

Economic and Environmental Factors Influencing Double Cropping Acreage in North Carolina

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