A cost analysis of staked and unstaked tomatoes in New Jersey

This study compared the costs of producing vine-ripened tomatoes using the short-staked system versus the unstaked system using plastic mulch and drip irrigation. The short-staked system required $871 more per ha in initial investment and $0.28 per box in additional costs. However, this method provides higher economic benefits than the unstaked system because the it provides significantly higher yields and quality than the unstaked system as well as protection from fluctuation in yields. This study presented a cost-benefit analysis of switching from the unstaked to the staked production method for New Jersey farmers, most of whom are already using improved production practices such as plastic mulch and drip irrigation. The unstaked system is the most common tomato production method practiced in New Jersey. Staking, combined with plastic mulch and drip irrigation will increase economic returns for these farmers.