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North Florida
Research and Education Center
155 Research
Road
Quincy, FL
32351-5677
Phone: (850) 875-7119
Fax: (850)
875-7188
Email: wright@ufl.edu |
Current Projects
David Wright
Extension Specialist, Cropping Systems and Conservation Tillage
Professor of Agronomy |
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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. Information
gathered from growers and use of research data in this model showed that
converting to a sod-based system took 4 years but that
farm profits each year getting fully implemented into the system.
By fully implementing this program, net farm profits for peanut, cotton,
hay farmers were more than double conventional farm practices. It is
expected that this could have more impact on farming in the Southeast than
any other trend in recent history. This work will continue and is
available to growers on the WEB to look at try.
More......
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..... |
