S_TEMP1662: Peanut production in a sod-based rotation in SE US
(Rapid Response to Emerging Issue Activity)
Status: Inactive/Terminating
S_TEMP1662: Peanut production in a sod-based rotation in SE US
Duration: 07/01/2007 to 07/01/2009
Administrative Advisor(s):
NIFA Reps:
Non-Technical Summary
Statement of Issues and Justification
The number of farms in the southeastern United States is decreasing at an alarming rate, and this is a concern to the small farmers of the region. There are many reasons for this decrease in farm numbers including reoccurring drought and low prices. However, the ultimate problem is that there has been little incentive for the industry to develop and utilize a farming system that reduces costs and dramatically increases yield even in drought years. The primary objective of this project is to develop an economically and environmentally sustainable sod based-row crop production system appropriate for the biological and social conditions of the SE US. Because of mutual needs, it is beneficial to the industry that ag researchers from the tri-state SE peanut production area (Alabama, Florida, and Georgia) be involved in this project. This project is expected to deliver a viable production system for small farms in the 50 to 200 ha (20 to 80 A) size range. In general, known technologies will be evaluated and optimized; thus this project is likely to succeed. Farmers that will benefit from results include those that run family farms as well as a large number of minority and presently under-funded farmers. Large farms will also benefit from the project and obtain higher yields at lower cost.