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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #315073
Title: Peanut performance and weed management in a high residue cover crop system

Author
item KELTON, JESSICA - Auburn University
item Price, Andrew
item Balkcom, Kipling
item FAIRCLOTH, WILSON - Syngenta Crop Production
item SARUNAITE, LINA - Lithuanian Research Centre For Agriculture And Forestry

Submitted to: Herbicides
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/5/2015
Publication Date: 11/26/2015
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/62715
Citation: Kelton, J., Price, A.J., Balkcom, K.S., Faircloth, W., Sarunaite, L. 2015. Peanut performance and weed management in a high residue cover crop system. In: Price, A., Kelton, J., Sarunaite, L., editors. Herbicides. Intech. doi: 10.5772/61650. Available: http://www.intechopen.com/books/herbicides-agronomic-crops-and-weed-biology/peanut-performance-and-weed-management-in-a-high-residue-cover-crop-system

Interpretive Summary: Previous research indicates conservation tillage is a viable option for successful peanut production, but more information is needed to help understand interactions between cover crop residues and peanut production. The objectives of this study were to determine if these aspects of peanut production respond differently depending on increased cover crop residue amounts and if any residue biomass level threshold exist for the previously mentioned attributes. Additionally, this study also aims to determine if cover crop management practices (rolling or standing) affect herbicide interception rates. The study consisted of a rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop planted at three different dates as well as a stale seedbed for a total of four different residue levels. Pendimethalin extraction from soil samples indicated no difference in herbicide recovery between winter fallow systems compared to systems including cover crops. Weed control ratings taken at 21 and 45 days after planting revealed greater weed suppression for cover crop systems for a longer time period when higher levels of cover crop biomass are achieved. Results of this experiment indicate the incorporation of cover crops into conservation-tilled peanut systems can be a successful alternative to winter fallow systems without reducing peanut yield or herbicide efficacy.

Technical Abstract: Previous research indicates conservation tillage is a viable option for successful peanut production, but more study is needed to help understand interactions between cover crop residues and peanut production. Specifically, additional information is needed about the effects of varying levels of cover crop biomass residue on the peanut crop. Differing responses may result depending on cover crop levels in terms of: residue interference with preemergence (PRE) herbicide activity, weed suppression, and yield. The objectives of this study were to determine if these aspects of peanut production respond differently depending on increased cover crop residue amounts and if any residue biomass level threshold exist for the previously mentioned attributes. Additionally, this study also aims to determine if cover crop management practices (rolling or standing) affect herbicide interception rates. The study consisted of a rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop planted at three different dates as well as a stale seedbed for a total of four different residue levels. Pendimethalin was applied PRE at 1kg ai/ha across the entire experimental area just prior to planting of the Georgia 03-L peanut variety. Soil samples collected at 7, 14, and 21 DAP were extracted for HPLC analysis to determine pendimethalin levels. Peanut yields differed only between location regardless of cover crop residue level with the Headland, AL site averaging 4,272 kg/ha and the Dawson, GA site averaging 2,247 kg/ha. Pendimethalin extraction from soil samples indicated no difference in herbicide recovery between winter fallow systems compared to systems including cover crops. Weed control ratings taken at 21 and 45 days after planting revealed greater weed suppression for cover crop systems for a longer time period when higher levels of cover crop biomass are achieved. Results of this experiment indicate the incorporation of cover crops into conservation-tilled peanut systems can be a successful alternative to winter fallow systems without reducing peanut yield or herbicide efficacy.