Row Pattern and Weed Management Effects on Peanut Production1

Abstract

Abstract Field experiments were conducted from 1981 through 1983 on a Dothan sandy loam (Plinthic Paleudults) at Headland, Alabama, to investigate the effects of row patterns and weed management systems on weed control, peanut yield, and net returns to land and management. Treatments consisted of three row patterns, a) conventional 91-cm rows, b) dual twin 18-cm rows, and c) triple twin 18-cm rows, and six weed management systems ranging from none to various combinations of herbicide and mechanical inputs. The experimental area was naturally infested with bristly starbur (Acanthospermum hispidum DC), sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia L.), Florida beggarweed [Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC.], large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.], and Texas panicum (Panicum texanum Buckl.). Results showed that weed control was affected somewhat by row patterns with broadleaf weeds being more responsive to row pattern manipulation than grass weeds. Weed fresh weights were generally lower as row patterns narrowed from conventional 91-cm spacing, however exceptions did occur. Highest yields and net returns were obtained when peanuts were planted in the dual twin 18-cm rows and weed management included benefin applied preplant incorporated, plus alachlor applied preemergence, and two timely cultivations.