Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Studies in the tri-state (Florida, Georgia, Alabama) indicate that bahiagrass has an important positive impact on soils and the potential for increased crop yields. Earthworms were found to be 2 to 8 times higher in the bahiagrass rotated system in two different years as compared to annual crops, cotton/peanut using conservation tillage. It was also found that 3 times more earthworms were found with irrigation than without. Since perennial grass roots, when decayed, leaves channels through the soil compaction layer as well as earthworms channels, water infiltration was observed to be as much as 5 times higher in the top 15 cm of the bahiagrass system, 9 times higher in the 15-40 cm soil depth layer in some years to no difference in other years as compared to the conventional peanut/cotton rotation. This infiltration difference led to higher subsoil moisture content in the bahiagrass rotated crops. Higher subsoil moisture was particularly higher in the middle of the
summer when high rainfall occurs and peak water use is needed by the crops. The sites with the highest earthworm population had the greatest water infiltration rates. Where peanuts were grown after bahiagrass 25-50% higher yields were recorded. Positive impacts of bahiagrass on soils was seen for 2 years as noted from root size of cotton (30-40% larger) after peanut which was grown after bahiagrass. Less soil nitrates have been found in crops following the bahiagrass due to larger roots taking up more total nitrogen. Less soil compaction was noted in the bahia system which was attributed to decaying bahia roots as well as more earthworm channels. Less compaction resulted in less fuel and hp needed to break the compaction layer during planting of subsequent crops. Because of the higher nitrogen requirement of crops grown immediately after bahiagrass either peanut or cotton were grown the first year to take advantage of lower pests (nematodes, and disease) and better soil conditions.
Peanut yields were always higher in the bahia rotated plots with less disease than in the conventional peanut/cotton rotation. Cotton in the conventional rotation was always lower yielding the second year in cotton than cotton in the bahia system. Better crops yields and year round utilization of the land with cattle and winter grazing has resulted in 2-7 times more profit from the system and a business management model for the rotation is in use and is available for downloading from the web at http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/sodrotation.htm . This information has been delivered at scientific meetings as well as field days and short courses. The results of this project has been delivered through the internet, hard copy and oral presentations for scientific and grower meetings. This program is modified and updated as research information becomes available. Proceedings from a conference on integrating perennial grasses into cropping systems is posted on this website as well as Power Point
presentations of those talks. This project will be highlighted at the Southern Conservation Tillage Conference in 2007.
Impacts
This cropping system continues to gain grower acceptance as well as interest by other researchers as positive results continue being revealed. Growers have begun using the perennial grass rotation on a small scale to see where it fits into their operations. As with the large scale research plot (center pivot of 130 acres) yields of crops have proven to be 30% or higher than under the currently practiced rotation. In these cases growers have found that the profits are as high in 1 year as they normally have in 2-3 years. This means that once the 120,000 acres of peanuts grown in Florida are grown after bahiagrass that $32 mil. more in profits can be realized each year. Likewise, cotton yields have not been influenced as much in our system although total plant biomass and root size have been but increased profits of $11 mil. are achievable with the bahiagrass rotation system. Cattle impacts to the system are immense and will help sustain small farm profits as well as
larger farms. The perennial grass rotation is a sound farming system that will increase yields of subsequent crops while enhancing soil health, environmental quality, and reduce greenhouse gasses by sequestering carbon with year round utilization of the land through cover crops or winter grazing.
Publications
- Katsvairo, T. W., Wright, D. L., Marois, J. J., Hartzog, D. L., Rich, J. R. & Wiatrak, P. J. 2006. Sod-livestock integration in the peanut-cotton rotation: A systems farming approach. Agronomy Journal. 98:1156-1171
- Katsvairo, T. W., *Tsigbey, F. K., Wright, D. L., Marois, J. J., Hartzog, D. L., Wiatrak, P. J. & Rich, J. R. 2006. Use of perennial grasses in peanut/cotton rotations:effect on pests. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida/Agronomy. 7 pp. SS-AGR-125. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG257.
- Katsvairo, T. W., Wright, D. L., Marois, J. J. & Wiatrak, P. J. 2006. Making the transition from conventional to organic farming using conservation tillage in Florida. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida/Agronomy. 7 pp. SS-AGR-11. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG246.
- Katsvairo, T. W., Wright, D. L., Marois, J. J., Hartzog, D. L., Wiatrak, P. J. & Rich, J. R. 2006. Sod/livestock-based peanut/cotton production system: Why we recommend it!. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida/Agronomy. 9 pp. SS-AGR-126. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG258.
- Katsvairo, T. W., Wright, D. L., Marois, J. J., Hartzog, D. L., Wiatrak, P. J. & Rich, J. R. 2006. The role of livestock in integrated peanut/cotton cropping systems-economics. Gainseville, FL: University of Florida/Agronomy. 8 pp. SS-AGR-20. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG255.
- Wright, D. L., Tillman, B. L., Jowers, E., Marois, J. J., Ferrell, J. A., Katsvairo, T. W. & Whitty, E. B. 2006. Management and cultural practices for peanuts. Gainesville: University of Florida. 17 pp. SS-AGR-74. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA258.
- Tsigbey, F. K., Katsvairo, T. W., Marois, J. J., Wright, D. L., Rich, J. R. & Wiatrak, P. J. 2006. Response of peanut diseases in a bahiagrass rotation system and the influence on yield. Agronomy abstracts. In Annual meetings abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA
- Hartzog, D. L., Balkcom, K. B., Katsvairo, T. W., Wright, D. L., Marois, J. J., Wiatrak, P. J. & Rich, J. R. 2006. Earthworm activities and ecology in sod-based peanut/cotton cropping systems. Agronomy abstracts. In Annual meetings abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
The primary objective of this project is to develop an economically and environmentally sustainable sod based cattle- row crop production system appropriate for the biological and social conditions of the southeastern United States. This project will deliver a viable production system for small farms in the 100 to 800-acre range. These farms include family farms, as well as a large number of minority and presently under funded farmers. Larger farms will also benefit from the project outcomes. The results obtained from the study have been positive and encouraging. Including bahiagrass in the cotton/peanut cropping system increased earthworm population densities, soil water infiltration and decreased penetrometer resistance in both the peanut and cotton phases of the cropping system. Our results also show that the improved soil conditions enable the crops to grow vigorously to out-compete and quickly shade weeds. The vigorously growing crops can also withstand pests and
disease pressure better, as well as tolerate environmental stress such as drought for subsequent yield increase. There were also several effects on the crops directly. Cotton is taller after bahiagrass than in either continuous cotton or cotton in the cotton peanut rotation. The longer the plots were under bahiagrass, the taller the cotton grew. Leaf Area Index was greater for the sod rotated cotton than both the traditional peanut/cotton rotation and continuous cotton. Likewise, the longer the plots were under bahiagrass, the greater the Leaf Area Index. The more developed plant canopy in cotton following sod was more effective in shading weeds and rendered them less competitive. Plant biomass and total N uptake at physiological maturity was greater for the bahiagrass rotated cotton compared to the peanut/cotton rotation. In some cases cotton showed a tendency to develop excessive vegetative growth at the expense of yield in the sod rotation. Reducing the N rate may be a way to
reduce excessive vegetative growth. Peanuts yields were greater in the bahiagrass rotation compared to the conventional rotation.
Impacts
The project continues to gain grower acceptance and interest by other researchers. The information generated thus far indicates that our hypothesis is correct in that the introduction of perennial grasses into farming systems will increase yield and economic returns while also increasing the environmental value of the land. We have documented increases in earthworms, decreases in soil nitrates, increases in yield, and decreases in pesticide use. Several hundred acres are now in the rotation, with several thousand more coming on line. We have also obtained funding for satellite studies based on these results; one is to examine the potential of perennial grasses in increasing corn silage production in the Caribbean basin and the other is to quantify the potential for the rotation to reduce ground water nitrates.
Publications
- Marois, J. J., D. L. Wright, P. J. Wiatrak, and M. A. Vargas. 2004. Effect of row width and nitrogen on cotton morphology and canopy microclimate. Crop Science 44:870-877.
- Wiatrak, P.J., D.L. Wright, and J.J. Marois. 2005. Influence of meteorological factors on cotton. Soil Crop Sci. Soc. Fl. 64:91-97
- Wiatrak, P. J., D. L. Wright, and J. J. Marois. 2005. Evaluation of Strip Tillage on Weed Control, Plant Morphology, and Yield of Glyphosate-Resistant Cotton. Journal of Cotton Science 9:10-14.
- Wiatrak, P. J., D. L. Wright, and J. J. Marois. 2005. Tillage and nitrogen application impact on cotton following wheat. Agronomy Journal 97:288-293.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
The rotation being studied is 2 years of bahia grass followed by peanuts and then cotton with winter cover crops and minimal tillage practices ( http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/sodrotation.htm). Peanuts and cotton grown in rotation with bahiagrass show superior plant development, subsequently leading to higher yield. The cotton in the bahiagrass rotation was taller than cotton in the conventional system (1.4 vs. 1.0 m by end of season). Leaf area index at the end of the season was greater for the bahiagrass rotated cotton (2.07 vs. 1.69). The more developed plant canopy was able to effectively shade the weeds rendering them less competitive in the bahiagrass rotation compared to the peanut-cotton rotation. Plant biomass and total N uptake at boll formation was greater for the bahiagrass rotated cotton compared to the peanut/cotton rotation (28.5 vs. 18.5 and 49.5 vs. 31.6 Mg., respectively). The cotton in the bahiagrass rotation also had large root biomass and total root
length compared to the peanut/bahiagrass rotation. There, however, were no yield differences between the rotations. Bahiagrass contributed a healthy soil which in turn resulted in healthier and more vigorously growing plants which were able to withstand weeds and pest attack. The vegetative growth however became excessive and penalized yield. We collected ground water samples from suction lysimeters installed at 6 and 40 inch depths in the cotton. N levels were higher for the shallower compared to the deeper depth (59 vs. 8 ppm) at the beginning of the season, however there were no differences between the depths by the end of the season. The soil with cotton in the bahiagrass rotation generally had less nitrates and ammonium at both depths for most of season. N levels at the shallow depth decreased from 61 and 56 ppm for the peanut/cotton and bahiagrass rotation at the beginning of the season to 6 ppm for both rotations by the end of the season. Residual soil N at the end of the
season was higher in the bahiagrass rotation. The bahiagrass rotated cotton developed a more extensive root system which utilized more N. The bahiagrass rotation had more surface residues compared to the conventional rotation. The higher organic matter supported more earthworms while infiltration rates were also greater for the cotton in the bahiagrass rotation. The higher earthworm densities could have partially contributed to the higher infiltration rates observed in the bahiagrass rotation. Soil moisture was mostly higher in the bahiagrass rotation compared to the conventional rotation throughout the growing seasons.
Impacts
The project was originally established in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. It has grown to include interested cooperators from Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Increased yields and reduction in pesticides has been documented, along with positive benefits to soil health, including increased populations of earthworms and rate of water penetration.
Publications
- Katsvairo, T. W., D. L. Wright, J. J. Marois, and P. J. Wiatrak. 2004. Peanut and cotton yield in sod based cropping systems. Abstract. In Southern Branch Abstracts 2004 [CD-ROM]. ASA, Madison, WI.
- Wright, D. L., T. W. Katsvairo, J. J. Marois, P. W. Wiatrak. 2004. Crop yields in sod based Peanut/Cotton cropping systems in the deep south. Abstract. Agronomy Society of America
- Katsvairo, T. W., D. L. Wright, J. J. Marois, and P. J. Wiatrak. 2004. Soil physical characteristics in sod based peanut/cotton cropping systems. Abstract. In Southern Branch Abstracts 2004 [CD-ROM]. ASA, Madison, WI.
- Wiatrak, P. J., D. L. Wright, and J. J. Marois. 2004. Tillage and residual nitrogen impact on wheat forage. Agronomy Journal. 96:1761-1764.
- Wiatrak, P. J., D. L. Wright, and J. J. Marois. 2004. Influence of residual N and tillage on white lupin. Agronomy Journal. 96:1765-1770.
- Wiatrak, P. J., D. L. Wright, J. J. Marois, and R. Sprenkel. 2004. Corn hybrids for sustainability in late planting in the Southeast. Agronomy Journal 96:1118-1124.
- Wiatrak, P. J., D. L. Wright, and J. J Marois, 2004. Evaluation of tillage and poultry litter applications on peanut. Agronomy Journal 96:1125-1130.
- Tsigbey, F. K., J. J. Marois, D. L. Wright, T. W. Katsvairo, P. J. Wiatrak. 2004. Impact of bahiagrass on diseases of peanuts. Abstract. Agronomy Society of America
- Marois, J. J., T. W. Katsvairo, D. L. Wright, J. P. Wiatrak. 2004. Peanut and cotton plant development in sod based cropping systems. Abstract. Agronomy Society of America
- Katsvairo, T. W., D. L. Wright, J. J. Marois, D. L. Hartzog, P. J. Wiatrak. 2004. Soil water nitrogen in sod based peanut/cotton cropping systems. Abstract. Agronomy Society of America
- Katsvairo, T. W., D. L. Hartzog, D. L. Wright, J. J. Marois, P. J. Wiatrak. 2004. Integration of livestock into cropping systems. Abstract. Agronomy Society of America
- Wright, D. L., T. W. Katsvairo, J. J. Marois, P. J. Wiatrak. 2004. Introducing bahiagrass in peanut/cotton cropping systems-Effects on soil physical characteristics. Abstract. Agronomy Society of America
- Marois, J. J., D. L. Wright, T. W. Katsvairo, P. J. Wiatrak. 2004. Reducing Fusarium hardlock in cotton with fungicides. Abstract. Agronomy Society of America
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Progress 10/01/02 to 10/01/03
Outputs
Long term research plots were established at multiple locations, including neighboring states, including a 150 acre demonstration farm at the University of Florida.. A web site was established for the project (http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/sodrotation.htm). Linkages were established with Brazil and Uruguay and an international conference was held at the University of Florida along with publication of proceedings. Proceedings were also made available on the web. Over 30 presentations were made at local, regional, national, and international meetings and conferences. Grower cooperators were identified and they have established their own operations allowing us access to their fields for data collection and activities. Economic models using Excel spreadsheets were integrated into a simple business plan to help growers appreciate the value of the sod based rotation. They were made available for downloading on the web site. The impact of bahiagrass rotation on soil health has
begun and we are finding that water penetration, cotton root growth, and earthworm populations are all greater when two years of bahiagrass are included in the rotation as compared to the conventional peanut-cotton-cotton rotation. We have found a 50% increase in peanut yields following two years of bahiagrass. A disease of cotton has become an important limiting factor in our plots. We determined that the causal agent was the fungus Fusarium verticillioides (formally F. moniliforme) and it was entering the cotton flowers during bloom. We named the disease Fusarium hardlock of cotton and it was identified as a major limiting factor in the production of cotton in the southeastern United States. This disease was typically included in the cotton boll rot complex or attributed to insect damage. We showed that stink bugs can create similar symptoms (where the cotton fiber does not fluff out and the pickers cannot harvest the fiber) but that the fungus alone is also a major cause of the
disease. Fungicide control strategies are being developed to be integrated with future disease prediction models. This disease caused a $20,000,000 loss in Florida cotton alone in 2002. Thus far we have determined that fungicides applied during bloom can provide effective control of Fusarium hardlock. We are also examining the role flower thrips may play in the epidemic. We found that cotton flowers can have an average of 30 thrips per flower and that they carry the fungal pathogen with them. By controlling flowers thrips and the fungal pathogen we were able to further increase lint cotton yield. Based on these studies, a Section 18 for Florida will be applied for to use Topsin M as a fungicide against Fusarium hardlock on cotton.
Impacts
Many grower organizations have become involved in the project, including Cotton Incorporated, Cattlemen's Associations, and Peanut Research Initiative. Louisiana, Alabama, South Carlina, and Georgia are involved in various aspects of the project. Increased yields and reduction in pesticides has been documented, along with positive benefits to soil health. Fusarium hardlock of cotton has been identified and control measures are under development.
Publications
- Marois, J.J., Wright, D.L., Wiatrak, P.J. and Vargas, M.A. 2004. Effect of row width and nitrogen on cotton morphology and canopy microclimate. Crop Science. In press
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Progress 10/01/01 to 10/01/02
Outputs
The major purpose of this CRIS is to develop a viable cropping system for peanuts and cotton in the southeastern U.S. by integrating perennial grasses and cattle into the crop rotation system. We have developed a multi-state project that involves over 20 researchers and extension specialists from Auburn, University of Georgia, University of Florida, and the USDA/ARS. This systems level farming enterprise incorporates cattle and perennial grasses into row crop production in the southeast and is funded from several sources, but supported primarily by a USDA Special Research Grant 2002-06183. Large replicated plots were established in 2002 in Headland, AL, Marianna and Quincy, FL and Tifton, GA. The plots will follow a rotation of bahiagrass-bahiagrass/cattle-peanuts-cotton for the next 4 years. Conventional rotation plots (cotton-cotton-peanut) were also established at each location. Soil properties, weed populations, yield quantity and quality, and economics are being
monitored at each location. A symposium highlighting the project is scheduled for February 20-21, 2003 at NFREC-Quincy and supported with funds from Southern Region USDA-SARE. This project has been featured in several popular press publications the last two years, including Florida Farmer (cover article), Highlands Today, The Peanut Farmer, Southeast Farm Press (three times), Beltwide Daily News, and Cotton Farming Magazine (cover article).
Impacts
Data and management strategies necessary for row crop farmers to incorporated perennial grasses into peanut and cotton production is a critical factor in the continued success of agriculture in the southeast. They will realize an increase in farm profits, decrease in water and pesticide use, and enhancement of soil health. Several growers are working closely with us as they adopt this practice.
Publications
- Marois, J. J. and Wright, D. L. 2002. Effect of tillage, phorate and cultivar on tomato spotted wilt of peanut. Agronomy Journal. In Press.
- Marois, J. J. and Wright D. L. 2002. A multi-state project to sustain peanut and cotton yields by incorporating cattle and sod in a sod based rotation. in Proceedings of the 25th Annual Southern Conservation Tillage Conference for Sustainable Agriculture. 2002. pages 101-107
- Wright, D. L., Marois, J. J. and Wiatrak, P. J. 2002. Perennial forage in rotation with row crops in the southeast. in Proceedings of the 25th Annual Southern Conservation Tillage Conference for Sustainable Agriculture. pages 87-92
- Marois, J. J., Wright, D. L. and Hewitt, T. D. 2001. A plan for sod based rotation in cotton and peanut production. American Society of Agronomy 93:85.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 10/01/01
Outputs
Field trials were established in 2000 in Florida and Georgia. The replicated plots were set up to begin a four year rotation of Bahiagrass-Bahiagrass-peanut-cotton. The plots were started at each year of the rotation and will be continued for at least the next 3 years. Yield data were taken in the fall of 2001. Baseline pest pressure and all agricultural practices were also recorded. Soil penetrometer readings were also taken as baseline data. A basic business plan model was developed and delivered (at web site NFREC.IFAS.UFL.EDU/MAROIS) and is being used by several growers in the southeastern U.S. The model was presented at the plenary presented at the 2000 Beltwide Cotton Conference in January in San Diego, CA. A Southern Region SARE grant ("Crop/Livestock Integration: Restoring a traditional Paradigm in Contemporary Agricultural Research, Outreach and Practice") was used to further develop the concepts of the CRIS project at a meeting in Tifton, GA in November,
2001. An IFAFS proposal was submitted but not funded not funded titled "Sod-Based Production Systems to Increase Farm Efficiency." A Southern Region IPM proposal was also submitted, status unknown, titled "Integrating Sod Based Systems into Current Row Crop Farming Operations to Achieve Economically and Biologically Sustainable IPM Production."
Impacts
Deliver the economic considerations of a sod-based rotation in the southeastern US.
Publications
- Marois, J. J., D. L. Wright and T. D. Hewitt. 2001. Economics of sod-based rotation. 2001 Proceedings of Beltwide Cotton Production Research Conferences. National Cotton Council of America.
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