T. W. Katsvairo1, D.L. Wright1, J.J. Marois1, D.L. Hartzog2, K.B. Balkcom2, and J.R. Rich1. (1) University of Florida, NFREC, 155 Research Rd., Quincy, FL 32351, (2) Auburn University, Wiregrass Reg. Res. & Ext. Cntr, P.O .Box 217, Headland, AL 36345
Site specific crop management practices are rapidly becoming common in large scale-scale crop production. In its simplest definition, site specific management matches crop inputs in accordance with soil and plant requirements for that resource. While many site specific management practices are still being developed for major crops, it is least developed in peanut and cotton production. An experiment was conducted in Marianna, FL in 2006 to evaluate the potential for site specific management on peanut and cotton as an elaboration of the perennial grass-based peanut/cotton cropping system. Electrical conductivity measurements were conducted at two depths using Veris in the fall prior to planting the two row crops. Geo referenced sampling points were established on a grid system from which plant and soil characteristics were determined. Monitored soil characteristics included penetrometer resistance, soil nutrient status and soil moisture. Plant growth of peanut and cotton was monitored and included height, node to height ration, leaf area index and chlorophyll measurements. Most measurements including plant height, leaf area index, soil moisture, penetration resistance showed spatial variation in both the peanut and cotton field and this. Inclusion of perennial grasses and precision agriculture will likely to be a major improvement to the standard peanut/cotton cropping system.
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