The economic analysis of rotations based on the
construction of real net margin indicators and coefficient
of variation (CV) of the real net margin from the
experimental agronomic information, collection of
pertinent annual nominal price information, and the
expression of economic results in comparable monetary
units allowed to clearly discriminate crop and grassland
rotation performance for a 16-yr database. The longterm
experiment consisted of four cycles of 4-yr each.
The evaluation produced relevant information over and
above the agronomic and productive aspects for farmer
decision-making in the selection of crops for rotation.
Crops included in the rotation and their sequence
largely determine the long-term economic performance
of this rotation. The best real net margin and lowest
CV variability for a rotation is found in crops with low
individual CV where the economic performance of
wheat, beans, and barley is highlighted; these crops tend
to generate medium to high margins and moderate to low
CVs.