Martin Soil and Water Conservation District

923 N. State Street, Suite 170, Fairmont, MN  56031

(507) 235-6680

Crop Equivalent Ratings (CER) and PRODEX

The Crop Equivalent Rating (CER) reflects relative differences in productivity between soils.  The differences are based on the net economic return obtained using a specific “level” of management.  “Level” means a measure of inputs of tillage, fertilizer, weed and insect control and drainage.  The word “equivalent” means that in the usual diversity of crops grown in Minnesota, an effort is made to express dollar equivalents in net return for the most commonly grown crops.  This rating can be used to help to determine how a specific tract of land should be managed, what a fair rent or purchase price is and to assist in determining a fair market value for land.

In 1983 the Martin County Soil Survey was published.  A primary use of this soil survey information is used as a tool for land evaluation in those counties having completed soil surveys.  These counties have also requested the University of Minnesota's assistance by utilizing their digitized computer-retrievable soil survey called PRODEX.  This computer software allows use of the detailed soil survey information to evaluate productivity of different tracts of land.  A weighted crop equivalent rating on a tract can be generated.  The higher the weighted crop - the greater CER value and the greater the potential for crop yield and thus financial return.  The CER values range for 1 to 100 on various soils.

In counties across Minnesota, the PRODEX information is available at several different agencies.  In Martin County the Martin SWCD provides this service.  There is a $10.00 charge per tract for this information.  If you would like to know what the PRODEX is on your farm, give the Martin SWCD a call.

All contents are the property of Martin SWCD. The District's goal is to provide quality and accurate information. All information within this site is subject to change and should only serve as a guideline for the District's services and procedures. For the most current and accurate information, please contact the District at (507) 235-6680.