ARS | Publication request: STRIP TILLAGE SYSTEMS FOR PEANUT

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Branch Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 6, 2006
Publication Date: February 6, 2006
Citation: Balkcom, K.S., Arriaga, F.J. 2006. Strip tillage systems for peanut [abstract]. Southern Branch American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting. 2006 CDROM.

Technical Abstract: Maintaining surface residue combined with higher production costs have renewed interest in conservation tillage systems for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production. Our study was designed to compare surface residue cover, yields, and sound mature kernels (SMK) following two strip tillage systems (narrow vs wide) with 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. Preliminary results indicated that surface residue cover was higher following the narrow strip tillage system at the Fairhope location. Peanut cultivars exhibited the only yield difference, initially, at Fairhope, while no yield differences were observed at Headland. GA 02-C and AP-3 tended to yield higher than Anorden at both locations. GA 02-C produced higher SMK at both locations. Neither strip tillage system or row pattern had any 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.