University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Crop Ecosystems in the Southeast

Peanut is one of the important row crops in the Southeast, especially in Georgia. With increasing drought frequency, it has been crucial to improve water-use efficiency while maintaining high peanut yields through different management practices. One such practice is tillage. One aspect of peanut experiments in 2020, conducted by UGA crop and soil scientists, was to study quantitatively the influence of tillage on peanut water use efficiency and yield. Another practice is the planting seed rate. A higher seed rate results in increased competition between plants for water, space, and light and higher seed cost. On the other hand, a lower seed rate can cause increased loss from Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). So this aspect of peanut experiments in 2020 was to quantify the impact of three seed rates on both peanut water-use efficiency and yield and determine the optimum seeding rate. Peanut planting pattern and planting date are also important practices that affect peanut water-use efficiency and yield. Scientists analyzed results from previous experimental data and presented the results. Georgia is the one of the largest producers of pecans in United States. Pecans require ample amount of water during the growing season to produce quality nuts. The water requirement of the trees is more than its supply through rainfall. So to fulfill its water needs, frequent irrigation must supplement rainfall every season. The aim of a UGA study is to optimize existing water resources and to enhance water-use efficiency to maximize yield.

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