Progress 01/01/14 to 10/23/18
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop improved irrigation management practices and criteria to reduce irrigation water requirements in southeast cropping systems (cotton, corn, and peanut). 2. Determine the effects of amending soils with Biochar on irrigation scheduling, crop yield, and economics in irrigated and non-irrigated southeast cropping systems. 3. Develop methods to improve peanut maturity distributions and flavor profiles in all US peanut producing regions to enhance economic returns to producers. Approach (from AD-416): The United States peanut industry generates approximately $4.4 billion annually in economic activity. Much of this activity is located in rural areas that are directly dependent on peanuts to sustain rural economies and foster rural economic development. Over the past decade, the peanut industry has been in a period of economic and technological adjustment driven by changes in peanut policy, increased cost of production, and repeated drought in the major peanut producing regions. The purpose of this project is to conduct farm systems research to reduce the per unit cost of production, improve peanut quality, conserve natural resources, and offer new production and management techniques that will sustain peanuts and crops grown in rotation with peanuts. The first objective will focus on irrigation water requirements for peanuts (and cotton and corn which are the prevailing crops grown in peanut based rotation systems) using shallow subsurface drip irrigation and overhead sprinkler systems. Improved management practices for scheduling irrigation (in unconstrained and constrained water supplies) and new subsurface drip irrigation systems will be addressed. The second objective will examine the agronomic, environmental, and economic feasibility of amending soils with Biochar in a cropping system consisting of peanuts, cotton, and corn in the lower Southeast. Economic evaluations will be performed to determine the economic value of adding biochar as a carbon credit. The third objective will determine if improvements in peanut maturity will lead to improvements in flavor and shelf life of roasted and processed peanut products. This will be accomplished with applications of various chemicals to reduce flowering at specific growth period. This research will also address the agronomic and economic impact of methods to improve peanut maturity profiles within the peanut production and processing system including farmers, shellers (first processors), and manufacturers. This is the final report for this project which has been replaced by project 6044-13210-006-00D, "Enhanced Sustainable Peanut-based Cropping Systems." Shallow subsurface drip irrigation (S3DI) systems have been installed to compare with deep subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI). In addition, these two irrigation systems will be directly compared with overhead sprinkler irrigation system and non-irrigation on six crop rotations, three irrigation rates, and three replications within each crop rotation. Major crops are cotton, corn and peanut. Irrigation events are scheduled using senor, estimated evapotranspiration (ET) using weather data, and IrrigatorPro for each of these crops. Biochar irrigation level by biochar rate project has been completed, data analyzed, and manuscripts published. Biochar rate project has been completed, data analyzed, and manuscripts submitted and published. The economics of applying biochar was addressed, manuscript published showing cost and return to grower using various spinner type spreader sizes. Major field-tests to apply chemistries on peanut for late-season flower interruptions to improve peanut maturity distributions and peanut yield and quality parameters have been completed. Data analysis has been completed and the first planned manuscript on the impact of flower interruption on peanut yield, grade factors, and seed quality has been published. The second planned manuscript related to post-harvest processing effects of late season flower termination was submitted and accepted for publication. Accomplishments 01 Influence of planting date, irrigation, and late season flower termination on kernel oleic acid distributions. High oleic peanuts have an excellent shelf life compared to conventional varieties. The oleic acid/linoleic acid (O/L) ratio of individual seeds within commercial high oleic lots often varies substantially, such that some proportion of peanuts will not meet established thresholds in O/L chemistry needed to confer optimal shelf life. ARS researcher in Dawson, Georgia used a randomized complete block design with three planting dates (13 April, 13 May, and 12 June 2015), two irrigate rates(full irrigation and dryland), and three spray levels of Diflufenzopyr (1, control; 2, 2x rate at 100 and 110 days after planting (DAP); 3) 3x rate at 100 DAP) in Terrell County, Georgia. Early and mid-season planted peanuts, be they runner or spanish, which matured under the hottest conditions, had increased oleic acid (%) among harvested seed, which coupled with grade data suggest these peanuts were more mature; however, aflatoxin frequency was also greater in oilstock from these early and mid-planted peanuts. Data from this study improves our understanding of expected natural variation in high oleic chemistry and suggests late season flower termination of runner peanuts is a viable strategy to maximize high oleic chemistry on the single kernel level. 02 Biochar rates and economics of application. Current literature has yet to fully address the cost of biochar application or the return on investment to the grower. ARS researchers in Dawson, Georgia, identified possible on-farm spinner spreader equipment, spreader capacity, application expenses, and rate of return needed for growers to broadcast biochar economically. Biochar from red oak processed using fast pyrolysis with a density of 36.5 lbs ft-3 was used in all scenarios. Spinner spreader volumes ranged from 50 to 255 ft3 and a manure spreader with a volume of 720 ft3. Crop response to increased biochar was not consistent, either positive or negative, thus, the return on investment may only be dependent on government, private, or commercial incentives. Possible application cost techniques investigated were by density ($ ft-3), by the load ($ load-1), or by mass ($ ton-1). The estimated total number of loads required to apply biochar ranged from 1 to 66 loads depending on spreader volume and biochar rate. Application expenses ranged from $2,900 to $17,926 ac-1. The most economical and efficient application technique would be to pay by ⿿mass using the largest volume spreader. Across all spreader volumes and biochar rates, the required payments to achieve a 7% return on investment ranged from $427 to $2,589 ac-1 yr-1 for 10 years. This equates to $18 to $33 ton-1 ac-1 yr-1 of sequestered CO2 over 10 years at 80 and 60% carbon to CO2 efficiency, respectively. 03 Cooperation with Golden Triangle. Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) council, in collaboration with ARS researchers in Dawson, Georgia, completed a video on installation of shallow subsurface drip irrigation. This video will be used exclusively for local farm owners and those designated socially disadvantaged and historically underserved growers. These irrigation systems are economical irrigation systems for small land areas. Several growers have installed some form of drip irrigation in small trial areas.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Lamb, M.C., Anderson, W.F., Strickland, T.C., Coffin, A.W., Sorensen, R.B., Knoll, J.E., Pisani, O. 2018. Economic competiveness of napier grass in irrigated and non-irrigated Georgia Coastal Plain cropping systems. BioEnergy Research. 11:574-582.
- Sorensen, R.B., Lamb, M.C. 2018. Return on investment from biochar application. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management.
- Pilon, C., Snider, J.L., Sobolev, V., Chastain, D.R., Sorensen, R.B., Meeks, C.D., Massa, A.N., Walk, T., Singh, B. 2018. Assessing stomatal and non-stomatal limitations to carbon assimilation under progressive drought in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Plant Physiology Journal. 231:124-134.
- Uchimiya, M., Franzluebbers, A.J., Liu, Z., Lamb, M.C., Sorensen, R.B. 2019. Detection of biochar carbon by fluorescence and near-infrared-based chemometrics. Aquatic Geochemistry Journal. 24:345-361.
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop improved irrigation management practices and criteria to reduce irrigation water requirements in southeast cropping systems (cotton, corn, and peanut). 2. Determine the effects of amending soils with Biochar on irrigation scheduling, crop yield, and economics in irrigated and non-irrigated southeast cropping systems. 3. Develop methods to improve peanut maturity distributions and flavor profiles in all US peanut producing regions to enhance economic returns to producers. Approach (from AD-416): The United States peanut industry generates approximately $4.4 billion annually in economic activity. Much of this activity is located in rural areas that are directly dependent on peanuts to sustain rural economies and foster rural economic development. Over the past decade, the peanut industry has been in a period of economic and technological adjustment driven by changes in peanut policy, increased cost of production, and repeated drought in the major peanut producing regions. The purpose of this project is to conduct farm systems research to reduce the per unit cost of production, improve peanut quality, conserve natural resources, and offer new production and management techniques that will sustain peanuts and crops grown in rotation with peanuts. The first objective will focus on irrigation water requirements for peanuts (and cotton and corn which are the prevailing crops grown in peanut based rotation systems) using shallow subsurface drip irrigation and overhead sprinkler systems. Improved management practices for scheduling irrigation (in unconstrained and constrained water supplies) and new subsurface drip irrigation systems will be addressed. The second objective will examine the agronomic, environmental, and economic feasibility of amending soils with Biochar in a cropping system consisting of peanuts, cotton, and corn in the lower Southeast. Economic evaluations will be performed to determine the economic value of adding biochar as a carbon credit. The third objective will determine if improvements in peanut maturity will lead to improvements in flavor and shelf life of roasted and processed peanut products. This will be accomplished with applications of various chemicals to reduce flowering at specific growth period. This research will also address the agronomic and economic impact of methods to improve peanut maturity profiles within the peanut production and processing system including farmers, shellers (first processors), and manufacturers. Shallow subsurface drip irrigation (S3DI) systems have been installed to compare with deep subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI). In addition, these two irrigation systems will be directly compared with overhead sprinkler irrigation system and non-irrigation on six crop rotations, three irrigation rates, and three replications within each crop rotation. Major crops are cotton, corn and peanut. Irrigation events are scheduled using senor, estimated evapotranspiration (ET) using weather data, and IrrigatorPro for each of these crops. Biochar irrigation level by biochar rate project has been completed, data analyzed and manuscript published. Biochar rate project has been completed, data analyzed and manuscripts submitted and published. Major field-tests to apply chemistries on peanut for late-season flower interruptions to improve peanut maturity distributions and peanut yield and quality parameters have been completed. Data analysis has been completed and the first planned manuscript on the impact of flower interruption on peanut yield, grade factors, and seed quality has been published. The second planned manuscript related to post-harvest processing effects of late season flower termination has been submitted and accepted for publication. Accomplishments 01 Influence of planting date, irrigation, and late season flower termination on kernel oleic acid distributions. High oleic peanuts have an excellent shelf life compared to conventional varieties. The oleic acid/linoleic acid (O/L) ratio of individual seeds within commercial high oleic lots often varies substantially, such that some proportion of peanuts will not meet established thresholds in O/L chemistry needed to confer optimal shelf life. A randomized complete block design was used with three planting dates (13 April, 13 May, and 12 June 2015), two irrigate rates (full irrigation and dryland), and three spray levels of Diflufenzopyr (1, control; 2, 2x rate at 100 and 110 days after planting (DAP); 3) 3x rate at 100 DAP) in Terrell County, Georgia by ARS scientists at Dawson, Georgia. Early and mid-season planted peanuts, be they runner or spanish, which matured under the hottest conditions, had increased oleic acid (%) among harvested seed, which coupled with grade data suggest these peanuts were more mature; however, aflatoxin frequency was also greater in oilstock from these early and mid-planted peanuts. Data from this study improves our understanding of expected natural variation in high oleic chemistry and suggests late season flower termination of runner peanuts is a viable strategy to maximize high oleic chemistry on the single kernel level. 02 Biochar rates and economics of application. Current literature has yet to fully address the cost of biochar application or the return on investment to the grower. The objectives were to identify possible on- farm spinner spreader equipment, spreader capacity, application expenses, and rate of return needed for growers to broadcast biochar economically. Biochar from red oak that was processed by ARS researchers at Dawson, Georgia, using fast pyrolysis with a density of 36.5 lbs ft-3 was used in all scenarios. Spinner spreader volumes ranged from 50 to 255 ft3 and a manure spreader with a volume of 720 ft3. Crop response to increased biochar was not consistent, either positive or negative, thus, the return on investment may only be dependent on government, private, or commercial incentives. Possible application cost techniques investigated were by density ($ ft-3), by the load ($ load-1), or by mass ($ ton-1). Across all spreader volumes and biochar rates, the required payments to achieve a 7% return on investment ranged from $427 to $2,589 ac-1 yr-1 for 10 years. This equates to $18 to $33 ton-1 ac-1 yr-1 of sequestered CO2 over 10 years at 80 and 60% carbon to CO2 efficiency, respectively. The cost of application of biochar may be more expensive than any economic returns from any possible benefits of adding biochar to agricultural fields. End users now have application expenses, required rates of return necessary to pay for purchase and application, and economic information on the overall use of biochar on their land. This information is valuable to growers to help in the decision-making process on whether to apply biochar to their fields both agronomically and economically.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Lamb, M.C., Sorensen, R.B., Butts, C.L. 2018. Crop response to biochar under differing irrigation levels in the southeastern USA. Journal of Crop Improvement. doi.org/10.1080/15427528.2018.1425791.
- Sorensen, R.B., Nuti, R.C., Holbrook Jr, C.C., Chen, C.Y. 2017. Peanut peg strength and associated pod yield and loss by cultivar. Peanut Science. 44:77-82. doi.org/10.3146/PS17-1.1.
- Davis, J.P., Leek, J.M., Sweigert, D.S., Dang, P.M., Butts, C.L., Sorensen, R.B., Lamb, M.C. 2017. Measurements of oleic acid among individual kernels harvested from test plots of purified runner and spanish high oleic seed. Peanut Science. Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 134-142. doi.org/10.3146/ PS16-21.1.
- Butts, C.L., Lamb, M.C., Sorensen, R.B., Powell, S., Cowart, D., Horm, K., Anthony, B., Bennett, J. 2017. Alternative storage environments for shelled peanuts. Peanut Science. No. 2, pp. 111-123. doi.org/10.3146/PS17- 2.1.
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop improved irrigation management practices and criteria to reduce irrigation water requirements in southeast cropping systems (cotton, corn, and peanut). 2. Determine the effects of amending soils with Biochar on irrigation scheduling, crop yield, and economics in irrigated and non-irrigated southeast cropping systems. 3. Develop methods to improve peanut maturity distributions and flavor profiles in all US peanut producing regions to enhance economic returns to producers. Approach (from AD-416): The United States peanut industry generates approximately $4.4 billion annually in economic activity. Much of this activity is located in rural areas that are directly dependent on peanuts to sustain rural economies and foster rural economic development. Over the past decade, the peanut industry has been in a period of economic and technological adjustment driven by changes in peanut policy, increased cost of production, and repeated drought in the major peanut producing regions. The purpose of this project is to conduct farm systems research to reduce the per unit cost of production, improve peanut quality, conserve natural resources, and offer new production and management techniques that will sustain peanuts and crops grown in rotation with peanuts. The first objective will focus on irrigation water requirements for peanuts (and cotton and corn which are the prevailing crops grown in peanut based rotation systems) using shallow subsurface drip irrigation and overhead sprinkler systems. Improved management practices for scheduling irrigation (in unconstrained and constrained water supplies) and new subsurface drip irrigation systems will be addressed. The second objective will examine the agronomic, environmental, and economic feasibility of amending soils with Biochar in a cropping system consisting of peanuts, cotton, and corn in the lower Southeast. Economic evaluations will be performed to determine the economic value of adding biochar as a carbon credit. The third objective will determine if improvements in peanut maturity will lead to improvements in flavor and shelf life of roasted and processed peanut products. This will be accomplished with applications of various chemicals to reduce flowering at specific growth period. This research will also address the agronomic and economic impact of methods to improve peanut maturity profiles within the peanut production and processing system including farmers, shellers (first processors), and manufacturers. Objective 1: Shallow subsurface drip irrigation (S3DI) systems have been installed to compare with deep subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI). In addition, these two irrigation systems will be directly compared with overhead sprinkler irrigation system and non-irrigation on six crop rotations, three irrigation rates, and three replications within each crop rotation. Major crops are cotton, corn and peanut. Irrigation events are scheduled using sensor, estimated evapotranspiration (ET) using weather data, and IrrigatorPro for each of these crops. Objective 2 sub- objectives 2A and B: Biochar rate project has been completed, data analyzed and manuscript submitted and published. Objective 3: Major field tests to apply chemistries on peanut for late-season flower interruptions to improve peanut maturity distributions and peanut yield and quality parameters have been completed. Data analysis has been completed and the first planned manuscript on the impact of flower interruption on peanut yield, grade factors, and seed quality has been published. The second planned manuscript related to post-harvest processing effects of late season flower termination has been submitted and accepted for publication. Accomplishments 01 Peanut yield, grade factors, germination, and oil chemistry were improved by late season flowering interruption. ARS scientists in Dawson, Georgia found positive results which led to research on large field scale studies on both high oleic and normal oleic cultivars to address the impact of late season flowering interruption on yield, grade, oleic acid profiles, flavor, processing efficiency, and nutrient composition.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Sorensen, R.B., Lamb, M.C. 2016. Crop yield response to increasing biochar rates. Journal of Crop Improvement. doi:10.1080/15427528.2016.12317728.
- Sorensen, R.B., Lamb, M.C., Butts, C.L. 2016. Yield response and economics of shallow subsurface drip irrigation systems. Journal of Agricultural Science. 4(1):1-11.
- Lamb, M.C., Sorensen, R.B., Butts, C.L., Nuti, R., Davis, J.P., Dang, P.M., Arias De Ares, R.S., Sobolev, V. 2017. Chemical interruption of flowering to improve harvested peanut maturity. Peanut Science. 44(1):60-65.
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop improved irrigation management practices and criteria to reduce irrigation water requirements in southeast cropping systems (cotton, corn, and peanut). 2. Determine the effects of amending soils with Biochar on irrigation scheduling, crop yield, and economics in irrigated and non-irrigated southeast cropping systems. 3. Develop methods to improve peanut maturity distributions and flavor profiles in all US peanut producing regions to enhance economic returns to producers. Approach (from AD-416): The United States peanut industry generates approximately $4.4 billion annually in economic activity. Much of this activity is located in rural areas that are directly dependent on peanuts to sustain rural economies and foster rural economic development. Over the past decade, the peanut industry has been in a period of economic and technological adjustment driven by changes in peanut policy, increased cost of production, and repeated drought in the major peanut producing regions. The purpose of this project is to conduct farm systems research to reduce the per unit cost of production, improve peanut quality, conserve natural resources, and offer new production and management techniques that will sustain peanuts and crops grown in rotation with peanuts. The first objective will focus on irrigation water requirements for peanuts (and cotton and corn which are the prevailing crops grown in peanut based rotation systems) using shallow subsurface drip irrigation and overhead sprinkler systems. Improved management practices for scheduling irrigation (in unconstrained and constrained water supplies) and new subsurface drip irrigation systems will be addressed. The second objective will examine the agronomic, environmental, and economic feasibility of amending soils with Biochar in a cropping system consisting of peanuts, cotton, and corn in the lower Southeast. Economic evaluations will be performed to determine the economic value of adding biochar as a carbon credit. The third objective will determine if improvements in peanut maturity will lead to improvements in flavor and shelf life of roasted and processed peanut products. This will be accomplished with applications of various chemicals to reduce flowering at specific growth period. This research will also address the agronomic and economic impact of methods to improve peanut maturity profiles within the peanut production and processing system including farmers, shellers (first processors), and manufacturers. Shallow subsurface drip irrigation (S3DI) systems have been installed to compare with deep subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI). In addition, these two irrigation systems will be directly compared with overhead sprinkler irrigation system and non-irrigation on six crop rotations, three irrigation rates, and three replications within each crop rotation. Major crops are cotton, corn and peanut. Irrigation events are scheduled using senor, estimated evapo-transpiration (ET) using weather data, and IrrigatorPro for each of these crops. Biochar projects have been completed data analyzed and manuscripts are in the process of being finalized. Major field tests to apply chemistries on peanut for late-season flower interruptions to improve peanut maturity distributions and peanut yield and quality parameters have been completed. Data analysis has been completed and the first planned manuscript on the impact of flower interruption on peanut yield, grade factors, and seed quality has been submitted. Accomplishments 01 Peanut yield, grade factors, germination, and oil chemistry were improved by late season flowering interruption. Positive results led to research on large field scale studies on both high oleic and normal oleic cultivars to address the impact of late season flowering interruption on yield, grade, oleic acid profiles, flavor, processing efficiency, flavor, and nutrient composition.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Snider, J.L., Chastain, D.R., Meeks, C.D., Collins, G.D., Sorensen, R.B., Perry, C.D. 2015. Predawn respiration rates during flowering are highly predictive of yield response in Gossypium hirsutum when yield variability is water-induced. Journal of Plant Physiology. 183:114-120.
- Chastain, D.R., Snider, J.L., Choinski, J.S., Collins, G.D., Perry, C., Whitaker, J., Grey, T.L., Sorensen, R.B., Iersal, M.V., Byrd, S.A., Porter, W. 2016. Leaf ontogeny strongly influences photosynthetic tolerance to drought and high temperature in Gossypium hirsutum. Journal of Plant Physiology. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jplph.2016.05.003.
- Snidera, J.L., Chastain, D.R., Meeks, C.D., Collins, C.D., Sorensen, R.B. 2015. Predawn respiration rates during flowering are highly predictive of yield response in Gossypium hirsutum when yield variability is water- induced. Plant Physiology. 183:114-120. dx.doi.org/10.1016/jplph.2015.06. 003.
- Sorensen, R.B., Lamb, M.C., Butts, C.L. 2015. Can Peg Strength be used as a Predictor for Pod Maturity and Peanut Yield. Peanut Science. 42(2):92-99. doi.10.3146/0095-3679-42.2.92.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop improved irrigation management practices and criteria to reduce irrigation water requirements in southeast cropping systems (cotton, corn, and peanut). 2. Determine the effects of amending soils with Biochar on irrigation scheduling, crop yield, and economics in irrigated and non-irrigated southeast cropping systems. 3. Develop methods to improve peanut maturity distributions and flavor profiles in all US peanut producing regions to enhance economic returns to producers. Approach (from AD-416): The United States peanut industry generates approximately $4.4 billion annually in economic activity. Much of this activity is located in rural areas that are directly dependent on peanuts to sustain rural economies and foster rural economic development. Over the past decade, the peanut industry has been in a period of economic and technological adjustment driven by changes in peanut policy, increased cost of production, and repeated drought in the major peanut producing regions. The purpose of this project is to conduct farm systems research to reduce the per unit cost of production, improve peanut quality, conserve natural resources, and offer new production and management techniques that will sustain peanuts and crops grown in rotation with peanuts. The first objective will focus on irrigation water requirements for peanuts (and cotton and corn which are the prevailing crops grown in peanut based rotation systems) using shallow subsurface drip irrigation and overhead sprinkler systems. Improved management practices for scheduling irrigation (in unconstrained and constrained water supplies) and new subsurface drip irrigation systems will be addressed. The second objective will examine the agronomic, environmental, and economic feasibility of amending soils with Biochar in a cropping system consisting of peanuts, cotton, and corn in the lower Southeast. Economic evaluations will be performed to determine the economic value of adding biochar as a carbon credit. The third objective will determine if improvements in peanut maturity will lead to improvements in flavor and shelf life of roasted and processed peanut products. This will be accomplished with applications of various chemicals to reduce flowering at specific growth period. This research will also address the agronomic and economic impact of methods to improve peanut maturity profiles within the peanut production and processing system including farmers, shellers (first processors), and manufacturers. Shallow subsurface drip irrigation (S3DI) systems have been installed to compare with deep subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI). In addition, these two irrigation systems will be directly compared with overhead sprinkler irrigation system and non-irrigation on six crop rotations, three irrigation rates, and three replications within each crop rotation. Major crops are cotton, corn and peanut. Irrigation events are scheduled using senor, estimated ET using weather data, and IrrigatorPro for each of these crops. Biochar projects are ongoing and data collected including crop yield and qualities are being analyzed. Biochar rates on crop yield, quality, and economic returns for cotton, corn, and peanut rotation system. Published literature varies widely on the actual documented yield benefit of biochar with respect to application rate. Researchers in Dawson, Georgia applied hardwood biochar one time at 0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 tons/ac and monitored cotton yield for two years. Analyzed yield data show no significant difference in cotton lint yield across year, biochar rate, or year by biochar interaction. There does not seem to be a negative or positive effect on cotton lint yield or quality across year or biochar rate for this soil series or type of biochar. The economic cost and returns of applying biochar to southeast crops are still ongoing. Peanut plots have been established in six locations in the Southeast for prescribed late-season flower interruptions to improve peanut maturity distributions and peanut yield and quality parameters. At industry request, this project was expanded to include focus on the effect prescribed late-season flower interruption on high oleic oil chemistry development. Accomplishments 01 Methods to improve peanut yield and quality through prescribed late season flower termination. Data showed significant improvement in peanut yield, quality, and maturity distributions in normal oleic peanuts. As a result, an industry requested was initiated to address the effect prescribed late-season flower interruption on high oleic oil chemistry development in small plot studies in 2014 and field plot studies in 2015. Preliminary data from small plot studies showed significant improvements in high oleic purity where flower termination was conducted.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Lamb, M.C., Sorensen, R.B., Nuti, R.C., Butts, C.L., Eigenburg, D. 2015. Agronomic and economic effect of irrigation rate in cotton. Crop, Forage, & Turfgrass Management. doi: 10.2134/cftm2014.0061.
- Sorensen, R.B., Lamb, M.C. 2015. Longevity of Shallow Subsurface Drip Irrigation Tubing Under Three Tillage Practices. American Society of Agronomy. doi: 10.2134/cftm2014.0097.
- Snider, J.L., Chastain, D.R., Collins, G.D., Grey, T.L., Sorensen, R.B. 2015. Do genotypic differences in thermotolerance plasticity correspond with water-induced differences in yield and photosynthetic stability for field-grown upland cotton? Environmental and Experimental Botany. 118:49- 55.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop improved irrigation management practices and criteria to reduce irrigation water requirements in southeast cropping systems (cotton, corn, and peanut). 2. Determine the effects of amending soils with Biochar on irrigation scheduling, crop yield, and economics in irrigated and non-irrigated southeast cropping systems. 3. Develop methods to improve peanut maturity distributions and flavor profiles in all US peanut producing regions to enhance economic returns to producers. Approach (from AD-416): The United States peanut industry generates approximately $4.4 billion annually in economic activity. Much of this activity is located in rural areas that are directly dependent on peanuts to sustain rural economies and foster rural economic development. Over the past decade, the peanut industry has been in a period of economic and technological adjustment driven by changes in peanut policy, increased cost of production, and repeated drought in the major peanut producing regions. The purpose of this project is to conduct farm systems research to reduce the per unit cost of production, improve peanut quality, conserve natural resources, and offer new production and management techniques that will sustain peanuts and crops grown in rotation with peanuts. The first objective will focus on irrigation water requirements for peanuts (and cotton and corn which are the prevailing crops grown in peanut based rotation systems) using shallow subsurface drip irrigation and overhead sprinkler systems. Improved management practices for scheduling irrigation (in unconstrained and constrained water supplies) and new subsurface drip irrigation systems will be addressed. The second objective will examine the agronomic, environmental, and economic feasibility of amending soils with Biochar in a cropping system consisting of peanuts, cotton, and corn in the lower Southeast. Economic evaluations will be performed to determine the economic value of adding biochar as a carbon credit. The third objective will determine if improvements in peanut maturity will lead to improvements in flavor and shelf life of roasted and processed peanut products. This will be accomplished with applications of various chemicals to reduce flowering at specific growth period. This research will also address the agronomic and economic impact of methods to improve peanut maturity profiles within the peanut production and processing system including farmers, shellers (first processors), and manufacturers. Shallow subsurface drip irrigation systems have been installed to compare deep subsurface drip irrigation. In addition, these two irrigation systems will be directly compared with overhead sprinkler irrigation system on six crop rotations, three irrigation rates, and three replications within each crop rotation. Major crops are cotton, corn and peanut. Irrigation events are scheduled using senor, estimated evaporation transpiration using weather data, and IrrigatorPro for each of these crops. Biochar data collection including crop yield and quality are ongoing for Objective 2 sub-objectives 2A and B. Peanut plots have been established in three locations in the Southeast for prescribed late- season flower interruptions to improve peanut maturity distributions and peanut yield and quality parameters. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations: 1. Ongoing collaboration with local Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development council has provided information and demonstrated to small farm owners and social disadvantaged and historically underserved growers, both on farm and in research locations, the use of shallow subsurface drip irrigation systems. These irrigation systems are economical irrigation systems for small land areas. Several growers have installed some form of drip irrigation in small trial areas. 2. Conducted workshops for �Young Farmer Associations� in several counties demonstrating Farm Suite (3 - various dates). 3. Conducted Farm Service Agency workshops on use of the USDA-ARS Farm Suite model to improve farm and financial planning (3 - various dates). 4. Hosted tours for local school groups discussing National Peanut Research Laboratory research and the benefits of science oriented curriculums. 5. Presented at 21 stakeholders meetings on technology to improve production, economic efficiency and sustainability.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Sorensen, R.B., Butts, C.L. 2014. Peanut Response to Crop Rotation, Drip Tube Lateral Spacing, and Irrigation Rates with Deep Subsurface Drip Irrigation. Peanut Science. 41:1-9.
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