Abstract
The influence of conservational tillage and date of digging on pod yield, crop value, and grade factors were evaluated as a means to increase the production efficiency of peanuts. Two conservational tillage systems, in-row and band tillage, and one conventional tillage system were compared over 3 yr. The Florigiant cultivar was planted in immature wheat killed with glyphosate (Roundup) or clean tilled soil. Peanuts were dug 8 to 11 d before and after the medium (normal) digging date of 141 DAP. Pod yields averaged 19% less and crop values averaged 25% less for the conservational tillage systems as compared to the conventional tillage system. Digging 8 to 11 d early reduced yield 15% and value 21%; whereas, digging 8 to 9 d late reduced yield 6% and value 5% as compared to the medium digging date. The early digging date significantly decreased the grade factors of extra-large kernels (ELK), sound mature kernels (SMK), and total meat content (TM). Tillage systems did not have a consistent effect on grade factors over the 3-yr period. Results from this study indicate that yield and value for the Florigiant cultivar were significantly less under conservational tillage as compared to conventional tillage.
Author notes
1Mention of firm names or trade products in this paper does not constitute a recommendation by the USDA nor does it imply registration under FIFRA.