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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #270943
Title: Peanut response to starter fertilizer, tillage, and planting date interactions

Author
item TUBBS, R - University Of Georgia
item Balkcom, Kipling
item HARRIS, GLENN - University Of Georgia
item BEASLEY, JOHN - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2011
Publication Date: 7/12/2011
Citation: Tubbs, R.S., Balkcom, K.S., Harris, G.H., Beasley, J.P. 2011. Peanut response to starter fertilizer, tillage, and planting date interactions. In: Proceedings of American Peanut Research and Education Society, July 12-14, 2011, San Antonio, Texas. p.31.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Starter fertilizers are used in some crops for rapid early season establishment and growth. In peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), fast growth beyond emergence may allow for earlier planting, especially in strip-till management, and the ability to quickly grow through early season thrips feeding, thus potentially reducing tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) incidence or severity. A trial was established in Tifton, GA in 2008 and 2009 to evaluate peanut performance with three at-plant fertilization regimes (untreated, N only, N+P) at two placements (5 cm below and beside seed [5x5] or behind subsoil shank at 30 cm depth) in either conventional or strip-till management, on two different planting dates (late April vs late May/early June). Effects of starter fertilizer application and placement were essentially non-existent for nearly all measured variables in both years of this experiment. There was a yield advantage for conventional tillage in 2008 (5236 kg/ha) over strip-till (4738 kg/ha), however no statistical difference in 2009. There was likewise a grade advantage for conventional tillage peanut for the late planting date in 2008, and both planting dates in 2009. The early planting date resulted in higher yields in both years (+614 kg/ha in 2008; +1358 kg/ha in 2009), although grades were improved by planting late (+8-9% in 2008; +6% in 2009). Inconsistent results were observed with regards to TSWV. Based on these results, applying a starter fertilizer on peanut would not be a worthwhile expense. Tillage and planting date play greater roles in terms of plant response, which an early season nutrient boost could not influence. These results are encouraging to growers who would prefer to get an early start with planting.