08/16/1991

Field Crops Field Day Held at Monroeville Experiment Field

MONROEVILLE, Ala.—White lupine and tropical corn may be new choices for alternative double-cropping systems, and rotating soybean cultivars can help control cyst nematode populations.

That's the word from researchers participating in the Field Crops Field Day held Aug. 8 at the Monroeville Experiment Field in Monroeville. The Field Day offered information on the latest results of row crop research conducted at the Experiment Field, an outlying research unit of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station of Auburn University.

Wayne Reeves, a USDA-ARS agronomy researcher doing studies in cooperation with the Experiment Station, explained that a study was established at the Substation to evaluate two alternative crops for double-cropping systems. Results suggest that white lupine, a legume crop, and tropical corn may have a place in double-cropping systems with soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum.
According to Reeves, lupine is high in protein and is also a high quality feed grain and forage. He noted lupine yields at the Experiment Field compare favorably to wheat yields in the area. But, Reeves added, the crop cannot tolerate extremely wet conditions and is still in the experimental stages of development as a double-cropping option.

Tropical corn, a late-season corn, experienced problems with dry weather and fall armyworms at the Monroeville location. Still, Reeves noted, the variety currently being planted in Alabama studies has proven to be a good silage crop and a different variety is now being considered for grain production.

Jim Edwards, a USDA-ARS soil scientist, discussed rotating soybean cultivars to help control nematode populations. He noted that planting a single variety of soybeans year after year can allow excessive buildups of yield-depleting soybean cyst nematodes. By simply rotating a different soybean cultivar into the location, yields can be dramatically improved. Results of studies at Monroeville and other locations in Alabama have shown that corn is the best rotation to control cyst nematodes, but rotating cultivars of soybeans may provide another option to growers.

An overview of the soybean breeding program at the Experiment Field was provided by David Weaver, associate professor in Auburn's Department of Agronomy and Soils. Weaver noted that the program focuses on three main areas of interest: higher yields and pest resistance, genetic frogeye leafspot resistance and development of specialty cultivars.

He said a new experimental Group 7 line dubbed AU87-547 has been performing in variety trials in the Southeast. The line has comparable yields to Stonewall and is resistant to both race 3 and 4 cyst nematodes. Another promising variety in the Group 6 category named AU87-727, which also has resistance to both races of cyst nematodes.

According to Weaver, interest in soybeans for use in specialty foods is increasing and growers are getting premium prices for these soybeans. He said his research is focusing on a small-seeded soybean which could be used in the Japanese market.

Paul Mask, also assistant professor in the Department, talked about grain crop studies at the Experiment Field. He noted there are basically two options for grain crops in the state, corn or grain sorghum. According to Mask, Alabama's corn yields are about half of the nationwide average and lack of water is the greatest limiting factor. Because grain sorghum is more drought resistant, he said grain sorghum may be a better choice and he said there are several good varieties to chose from.

The application of paper mill sludge to soils also was discussed by Hamp Bryant, a research technician in agronomy and soils. He noted that sludge from a local paper mill was used as a soil treatment on soybeans. Evaluation of this paper mill by-product showed it had little effect on soil characteristics and yield, except for raising soil pH. It also had no apparent ill-effects on the soil.

"It may be okay to use this material if you have a good source and it's free," Bryant said, adding that the chemical make-up of sludge will vary among paper mills and growers interested in using these by-products should have material analyzed before using.

Other participants on the program included Randy Akridge, superintendent at the Experiment Field; David Teem, associate director of the Experiment Station; Don Thurlow, professor of agronomy and soils who discussed soybean variety trials; Keith Edmisten, assistant professor of agronomy and soils, who talked about cotton variety trials; Clyde Evans, professor of agronomy and soils, who discussed a long-term fertility test at the Experiment Field; and Joe Touchton, head of Auburn's Department of Agronomy and Soils, who talked about a wheat tillage experiment.

The meeting was co-sponsored by the Experiment Station and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service.

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By:
Katie Smith