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 | Control | Spray-N-Grow Treated | % Change |
| Grade A | 8,242 | 10,896 | +32.2% |
| Grade B | 3,268 | 3,258 | -0.3% |
| Grade C | 2,479 | 2,125 | -14.3% |
| TOTAL | 13,989 | 16,280 | +16.4% |
| PROFIT ANALYSIS | |||
| Quality | Control | Price per Kg | Total Value |
| Grade A | 8,242 Kg | US $1.00 | $8,242.00 |
| Grade B | 3,268 Kg | US $1.00 | $3,268.00 |
| Grade C | 2,479 Kg | US $0.20 | $496.00 |
| TOTAL | 13,989 Kg | $12,006.00 | |
| Quality | Treated | Price per Kg | Total Value |
| Grade A | 10,896 Kg | US $1.00 | $10,896.00 |
| Grade B | 3,258 Kg | US $1.00 | $3,258.00 |
| Grade C | 2,125 Kg | US $0.20 | $425.00 |
| TOTAL | 16,279 Kg | $14,578.00 |
The additional income from the Spray-N-Grow lot is $2,572.00. The spears from Spray-N-Grow 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 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.
