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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Dawson, Georgia » National Peanut Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #137900
Title: MULTI-CROP IRRIGATION RESEARCH FARM, YEAR ONE RESULTS AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Author
item MASTERS, MARK - AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2002
Publication Date: 3/1/2003
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Increased attention to water resource availability in Southwest Georgia prompted the USDA/ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory to develop an irrigation research farm in 2001. Designed as a long-term project, six crop rotation systems will be examined under twelve different watering regimes for a minimum of six years. Crops included in the research are peanut, cotton, corn, wheat, and soybean. Irrigation is controlled using a specially designed three-span lateral move sprinkler system that applies water at a full, 2/3, and 1/3 rate. The subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) was designed to apply water in the same fashion using different drip tape technologies. Following a priori expectations, 2001 average crop yield across varieties was maximized at the full sprinkler irrigation level for cotton, corn, and soybean. Average peanut yield across five cultivars (GA Green, AT 201, C99R, ATC 3256, and GA 982508) was maximized at the 2/3 sprinkler irrigation level. Similar results were found under SDI regimes. Rainfall during the peanut growing season totaled 21.6 inches. Total water amounts available to the plants were 25.9in, 28.74in, and 30.82in for the 1/3, 2/3, and full irrigation levels respectively. Using a quota price of $610/ton, the marginal revenue gained from the irrigation practice was $391.45/acre at the 1/3 irrigation level. That is, applying 4.36in of irrigation above rainfall caused a gain of $391.45/acre. However, a net loss of $50.22/acre was realized at the full irrigation level. Drawing conclusions from the first-year data would be irresponsible. However, the importance of this research cannot be over-emphasized. The uncertainty present in both the peanut industry and water availability in Southwest Georgia demands that growers act optimally to realize positive returns and efficient use of the water resource. The knowledge gained from this work will assist producers in making these optimal decisions.