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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Dawson, Georgia » National Peanut Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #222889
Title: Effect of furrow diking on herbicide efficacy in the Southeastern USA

Author
item Faircloth, Wilson
item Nuti, Russell

Submitted to: Weed Science Society of America Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2008
Publication Date: 10/15/2008
Citation: Faircloth, W.H., Nuti, R.C. 2008. Effect of furrow diking on herbicide efficacy in the Southeastern USA . Weed Science Society of America Meeting Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary: none required.

Technical Abstract: Furrow diking improves water capture in row crops. This tillage operation helps capture more rainfall by reducing runoff up to 300%. The Southeast receives an average annual rainfall of 50 inches; we are making attempts to take better advantage of this valuable resource. Research at the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, GA has shown increased water savings, yield, and economic returns in peanut, corn, and cotton by using furrow dikes. This tillage operation creates a series of basins and dams in the furrow between crop rows to help capture water. The equipment necessary for furrow diking is not expensive and can be attached to common cultivation equipment. In corn (2005) and cotton (2006 and 2007), furrow diked crops required 1 to 5 fewer irrigation events to produce equal or greater yield. Furrow diking improved irrigated corn yield by 21 bu/A and non-irrigated corn yield by 8 bu/A. Non-irrigated cotton yield in 2006 was improved up to 58% and net return of irrigated cotton was improved by up to $170/A. Irrigation requirements in furrow diked peanuts were reduced by 1/3 and did not reduce yield at 4800 lb/A. Furrow diking did not diminish weed control in any treatment.