Comparison of No-tillage, Minimum, and Full Tillage Cultural Practices on Peanuts

Abstract

Abstract The no-tillage system for peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) was investigated from 1978 to 1981 in comparison with minimum and full tillage. Difficulty in controlling weeds, soil compaction, and reduced yields were problems associated with no-tillage peanut culture. No-tillage plots yielded 600 to 2400 kg/ha less than full tillage each year, while the minimum tillage plots were intermediate in yield. Peanut grades were not different except in 1980 when the no-tillage system graded less than full or minimum tillage. Disease due to southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) was not affected by tillage system except in 1980 when the full tillage plots produced a lower pod disease rating than minimum or no-tillage. Target hits were lower in the no-tillage plots than full tillage plots when averaged over the four year period.