Economic assessment of the biological agent use in ecological potato production – system dynamics simulation

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the economic viability by calculating the potential profits and expenses for farmers, and to simulate the impact of the application of a microbiological agent on the potato plant in a field trial. The field experiment aimed to identify the role of the biological agent while substituting the synthetic plant fertilization and protection. Methodology: The system dynamics method was applied to the data provided from one planting season of field experiments conducted in the framework of the PotatoMETABiome project. From eleven tested varieties on six different scenario plots, the most economically viable variety – Pasja Pomorska – was tested. The comparative approach was applied to show the results of inoculating potato plants with biological agents and using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Results: The results show that the application of biocontrol agents increases the quality and quantity of the potato yield compared to a variant in which no synthetic agents are used. These are, however, higher while applying the latter. It can therefore be argued that the microbiological agent could support ecological potato production, yet it does not reach the economic break-even point yet. Conclusions: Bearing in mind the limitations resulting from the experimental nature of field research, the level of economic profitability of innovative biological preparations and the importance of their use in agriculture have been demonstrated.