Question

For 2016/2017, the USDA projected the U.S. soybean yield to be 48.9 bushels per acre. If a bushel of soybeans weighs 60 lb. how does this compare to a European yield of 3.16 metric tons per hectare?

Answer 1

In order to solve this problem, we need to convert some units of measure:

First, the mass units metric ton (ton) and pound (lb) relate as follows:

1 ton = 2204,62 lb

And the units of a surface acre (ac) and hectare (ha) relates as:

1 ha = 2,47105 ac

Then, for the U.S. soybean yield, we have:

`(48.9\cdot60lb)/(ac)=(2934lb)/(ac)`

And, for the European yield, we have:

`(3.16ton)/(ha)`

Using the conversion of units, we can rewrite this as:

`(3.16\cdot2204.62lb)/(2.47105ac)\cong(2819.287lb)/(ac)`

Now we have the same units for both yields, we can compare them. To do so, let's divide the U.S. yield by the European one:

`((2934lb)/(ac))/((2819.287lb)/(ac))`