73 

 This study showed that crop and fertilizer management levels can 

 influence productivity, profitability, and income in year-round crop- 

 ping systems involving vegetables. Thus, economic returns are a 

 function of farmer's integration and manipulation of component techno- 

 logy levels and their interaction with biological, physical, and socio- 

 economic factors. In understanding and improving management of vegetables 

 in year-round cropping systems, horticulturists can study other aspects 

 of component technologies such as insect pest, disease, weed, and water 

 management through joint effort with entomologists, plant pathologists, 

 weed scientists, and economists. Through joint research efforts, techno- 

 logies can be developed and become more relevant and appropriate for 

 small-scale vegetable farmers. 



