Project Number: 6604-64000-006-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Sep 21, 2005
End Date: Feb 28, 2009

Objective:
Objective 1: Compare the impact of multiple irrigation methods at varying application amounts on profitability, yield, and quality of peanuts and selected crops grown in rotation with peanut. Objective 2: Compare conservation tillage systems and conventional tillage systems with respect to different irrigation requirements to maximize profitability in a typical Southeastern crop rotation. Cover crop selection and management with regard to irrigation efficiency and pest populations will be an integral component, especially in the conservation tillage systems. Objective 3: Develop and improve decision support systems to expedite technology transfer and adoption of emerging technologies related to peanut and other crop production. Objective 4: Quantify the post-harvest impacts of irrigation method and application amount and emerging management technologies on the marketability, demand, and competitiveness of U.S. peanuts (and other crops) in domestic and international markets. Objective 5: Improved irrigation efficiency through the use of conservation tillage in West Texas peanut and cotton production systems.

Approach:
Three irrigation methods will be compared, (sprinkler, sub-surface drip, surface drip), three irrigation rates (100%, 66%, 33%), and a non-irrigated control in six replicated rotation sequences including peanuts, cotton, corn, and grain sorghum. The design of these projects will provide direct comparisons to quantify the production and economic impacts of irrigation technologies for the selected crops. Plot data (precipitation, irrigation, soil temperature, soil moisture, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity) will be gathered. Data and information on production practices will be recorded and logged data. Samples from each replication within each treatment will be obtained for post-harvest quality analysis to relate production and management conditions to peanut yield, quality, and economic returns. Compare conservation tillage systems and conventional tillage systems with respect to different irrigation requirements to maximize profitability in a typical Southeastern crop rotation. Cover crop selection and management with regard to irrigation efficiency and pest populations will be an integral component, especially in the conservation tillage systems. Samples from each replication within each treatment will be processed consistent with industry standards for grading, shelling, and marketing. Federal State Inspection Service standards and yield data will be used to determine value per ton and value per acre. Samples will be shelled and processed utilizing commercial standards for peanut processing. Shelling efficiency measurements (technical and economic) will provide data on the impact of pre-harvest management practices through subsequent market channels. Economic efficiency of processing coupled with relevant peanut policy will provide data relating pre-harvest management practices to the final demand and competitiveness of U.S. peanut in domestic and international markets. This vertical systems approach will provide feedback through the market system to enhance the overall marketability of U.S. peanuts. The hypotheses will be tested by utilizing demand equations at subsequent processing levels and marketing segments of the industry incorporated with changes in processing efficiency resulting from each production practice. Hypotheses tested will address the impact of production practices (mainly irrigation and tillage) on post-harvest product quality, processing efficiency, and demand.