Effect of Row Spacing on Garlic Yield, Quality and Net Returns

Commodities

• Vegetables: garlic

Practices

• Crop Production: cropping systems
• Farm Business Management: budgets/cost and returns

This project addresses the need to optimize garlic production on
a small farm while maximizing profitability. The objective is to
compare the agronomic and economic effects of two different row
spacing configurations for garlic production. Specifically, the
study aims to determine if there are differences in yield, bulb
size, and the percentage of high-value bulbs (> 2” diameter)
between the two row-spacing setups.

The problem lies in the limited space of the small farm, where
every square foot matters for financial sustainability. Larger
garlic bulbs are desirable as they yield higher prices and
contribute to better returns. The project seeks to investigate
whether changing the row spacing configuration from 3-rows/bed to
4-rows/bed can provide superior economic results. This experiment
was initiated using a tow-behind implement with adjustable
spacing, offering the ability to test both configurations
effectively.

The significance of this research extends to garlic growers in
the Northeast, especially those involved in seed garlic
production, small-scale farming, and using no-till or permanent
bed methods. The project's findings could potentially lead to
higher profits by either increasing the seed garlic yield or
optimizing spacing strategies. For example, if 3-row spacing
proves to result in larger bulb sizes, it could lead to increased
profits for seed garlic sales. Conversely, if 4-row spacing is
more beneficial, it could encourage growers to adopt this
strategy confidently.

This project has the potential to inform and benefit a wide range
of garlic growers, making it a valuable endeavor for the
agricultural community.

This project seeks to compare the agronomic and economic effects
of  2 row spacing configurations for garlic production.
  Specifically, our objectives are to determine if the
following response variables differ between row-spacing
configurations:

1. Yield
2. Bulb size
3. Percentage of high-value bulbs (> 2”
   diameter)

Additionally, we will perform an analysis of net returns as a
function of garlic row-spacing to determine the most economically
viable system.