Author
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Webber Iii, Charles |
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Submitted to: New Crops National Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/6/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: As kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) production in the United States continues to increase it is essential to integrate this alternative fiber crop into existing cropping systems. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is now grown widely in the same production areas where kenaf can be successfully produced. A kenaf/soybean rotational system could have long term economic and pest control advantages, if there are no adverse affects of rotating these two crops. A three-year field study was conducted at Haskell, OK to determine the affect of six kenaf/soybean rotations on kenaf and soybean yield components. The kenaf cultivar 'Everglades 41' and soybean cultivar 'Forrest' were planted on a Taloka silt loam soil in mid May and harvested each October. The crops received no irrigation, rainfall was the only source of moisture. The individual kenaf/soybean rotations did not adversely affect the kenaf stalk yields or soybean seed yields. Kenaf stalk yields across all rotational combinations and years averaged 7.9 mt/ha, while soybean seed yields averaged 866 kg/ha. Seasonal rainfall affected soybean growth and yields more than any effects due to the cropping sequence. A continuous kenaf rotation produced the greatest kenaf yields (9.4 mt/ha) in the final year. It was determined that either a three-year continuous or rotational cropping system can be used for kenaf and soybean production without reducing crop yields. |
