Asparagus Field Trial

Edgardo Arciniega
Hearny, S.A. 

Date: 1994
Location: Lima, Peru

Despite the comparatively low prices for top grade asparagus in Peru as compared to the USA, the grower still made a nice increase in profit. Plots were one hectare each (1 ha = 2.5 acres). Production is given in kilograms. One Kg = 2.2 lbs (ie. 10 Kg = 22 lbs, 1,000 Kg = 2,200 lbs)

Quality: Grade A                                                               
Control:  8,242
Treated: 10,896 
Change:  +32.2% 

Quality: Grade B                                                  
Control: 3,268
Treated: 3,258
Change: -0.3%

Quality: Grade C                                                               
Control:  2,479
Treated: 2,125   
Change:  -14.3% 

TOTAL        
Control: 13,989
Treated: 16,280              
Change: +16.4%


PROFIT ANALYSIS 

Quality: Grade A          
Control: 8,242 Kg          
Price per Kg: US $1.00                                
Total Value: $8,242.00

Quality: Grade B          
Control: 3,268 Kg          
Price per Kg: US $1.00                                
Total Value: $3,268.00

Quality: Grade C          
Control: 2,479 Kg          
Price per Kg: US $0.20                              
Total Value: $496.00
TOTAL            
Control: 13,989 Kg       
Total Value: $12,006.00

Quality: Grade A          
Treated: 10,896 Kg          
Price per Kg: US $1.00                              
Total Value: $10,896.00

Quality: Grade B        
Treated: 3,258 Kg            
Price per Kg: US $1.00                                
Total Value: $3,258.00

Quality: Grade C          
Treated: 2,125 Kg            
Price per Kg: US $0.20                                
Total Value: $425.00

TOTAL         
Treated: 16,279 Kg                                                
Total Value: $14,578.00

The additional income from the Spray-N-Grow Micronutrients is $2,572.00. The spears from Spray-N-Grow Micronutrients treated asparagus were larger, and when trimmed to standard size, by the processing plant, lost 22% by weight. Despite the loss, the treated lot still yielded $2,008.00 above the untreated lot. If we subtract the cost of the Spray-N-Grow Micronutrients and it’s application, the grower is still left with a net gain of $1,808.00, which represents an additional 19.3% profit over the untreated lot.

If we subtract the cost of the Spray-N-Grow Micronutrients and it’s application, the grower is still left with a net gain of $1,808.00, which represents an additional 19.3% profit over the untreated lot.