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Cotton/Hardlock
Hardlock of cotton is when
the fiber does not fluff out as the boll opens at maturity and looks like wedges
of an orange when broken apart. Although the quality of the cotton fiber may
not be severely affected, conventional spindle harvesting equipment is not able
to capture the fiber and bring it into the harvester. The hardlocked cotton is
knocked from the plant and falls to the ground or is strung out of the boll
giving the appearance of poor harvesting procedures.
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Impacts of Conservation Tillage on Row Crops
Switching to conservation tillage on all row crops
in the Southeast over the past 5 years has resulted in savings of over $100
million to growers. Using research data from long term or older research
studies, we developed a business model using a sod-based rotation to improve
yields and reduce pest problems and pesticide use.
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Sod Rotation
The use of crop rotation is a fundamental principle of sound crop
production. The rotation of bahiagrass sod, which can be used as pasture or cut
for hay, is a proven method to increase yields of peanut and cotton crops. This
multi-state project has research sites in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and
involves cooperation from state and federal agencies. The objectives
for this project include: (1) develop and compare the economic and
environmental benefits of conventional and sod based farming systems using
conservation tillage systems, (2) quantify the positive impact that sod
based rotations have on soil health, pest reduction, water use, and sustainable
farm production, and (3) refine and promote production practices in
a sod based rotation which result in significant yield increases associated with
decreased inputs. More.....
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