Set input rates at the economic optimum where marginal return equals marginal cost, not at agronomic maximum, so the last unit pays. Reach for this on any input decision.
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---
name: optimize-input-economics
description: "Set input rates at the economic optimum where marginal return equals marginal cost, not at agronomic maximum, so the last unit pays. Reach for this on any input decision."
---
# Skill: Optimize input economics
The last bushel often costs more than it returns.
## Step 1 — Build the response curve
Yield response to the input from data/trials (§3 #1).
## Step 2 — Find the economic optimum
Where marginal return = marginal cost at current prices.
## Step 3 — Vary by zone
Apply the optimum by management zone, not field-flat (§3 #2).
## Step 4 — Quantify the ROI
State the return vs an over/under-applied baseline.
## Output
An economic-optimum rate by zone with the input ROI.
