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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #187012
Title: CONSERVATION TILLAGE SYSTEMS FOR PEANUT PRODUCTION

Author
item Balkcom, Kipling
item Arriaga, Francisco

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/9/2005
Publication Date: 11/10/2005
Citation: Balkcom, K.S., Arriaga, F.J. 2005. Conservation tillage systems for peanut production[abstract]. American Society of Agronomy Meetings. CDROM

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Potential benefits of maintaining surface residue coupled with increased production costs have renewed interest in conservation tillage systems for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production. A study was initiated to examine surface residue cover following two strip tillage systems (narrow vs wide), compare yields and sound mature kernels (SMK) of three peanut cultivars (Anorden, AP-3, and GA 02-C) across each strip tillage system with two row spacings (single vs twin), and evaluate soil moisture between these treatments. Two sites were established on a Malbis fine sandy loam (Fine-loamy, siliceous, subactive, thermic Plinthic Paleudults) in Fairhope, AL and a Dothan loamy sand (Fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic, Kandiudults) in Headland, AL during the 2004 growing season. Initial results indicated that the narrow strip tillage system produced higher surface residue cover at the Fairhope location. Yields observed among cultivars showed that GA 02-C and AP-3 yielded higher than Anorden at Fairhope, while no yield differences were observed at Headland. GA 02-C had higher SMK at both locations, but AP-3 SMK were higher than Anorden at Fairhope, while Anorden SMK were greater compared to AP-3 at Headland. Strip tillage system or row pattern had no effect on yield or SMK at either location. Although not significant, soil moisture contents measured at Headland corresponded to observed peanut yields, while row spacing had no effect on soil moisture contents. Preliminary results indicated that peanut conservation tillage practices may not require a wide tillage strip regardless of row pattern.