VOLUME 8, NUMBER 3 FALL 1961 F k ~ Agricultural Experiment Station AUBURN UNIVERSITY fil(iHLI(iH I N OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS of Agricultural Research A Quarterly Report of Research Serving All of Alabama VOLUME 8, No. 3 FALL, 1961 SUMMER STRESS ON LAYING POULTRY - Important Factor in Alabama Egg Production ........................ DEVELOPING NEW VETCHES - Work Underway to De- velop Reseeding, Non-Shattering Varieties ........ 3 4 FIRE VS. FOREST REPRODUCTION - Presents Effects of Periodic Burnings on Open Pine Stands 5 FEED PRICES CHANGING - To Keep Pace With Alabama's Livestock Industry Development 6 FIELD TURNING SPACE NEEDED--Adequate Space for Turning Increases Tractor Efficiency 7 THE PIEDMONT SUBSTATION - A Story of Research for A Depleted Soil Area 8-9 HOLLIES FOR ALABAMA LANDSCAPE- There Is A Type of Holly for Many Landscape Needs 10 FORAGE QUALITY OF ANNUALS VARIES- Value of Forage Changes During Grazing Season 11 TIMELY PLANTING UPS OAT YIELDS - Production Effected by Date of Planting 12 PLUM VARIETIES FOR ALABAMA - Farmers Can Now Select Plum Varieties Based on Research 13 CONTAINERS - PROBLEM IN MARKETING VEGETABLES - Good Containers Aid in Marketing 14 SOIL FUMIGANTS FOR ROOTKNOT- Vegetable Yields Are Upped from the Use of Soil Fumigants ............. 15 LEGUME INOCULATION- Early Research Revealed Secret of Legume Growth 16 Of 44 MCo4 C This Meats Laboratory is filling a big need in the research and teaching program of the Animal Science Department. The 66 X 1 12-foot building has facilities for slaughtering and dress- ing experimental animals to more fully evaluate experimental pro- duction practices, and for chilling, curing, and processing carcasses. It also has a cutting demonstration classroom and a meats research laboratory. Included with the laboratory is an 80 X 100-foot judg- ing arena, having a show ring and seats for 1,000. The Laboratory was constructed with funds provided by passage of Amendment 5 in 1957. E. V. SMITH -. COYT WILSON ..... CHAS. F. SIMMONS- KENNETH B. RoY E. L. McGRAw ... R. E. STEVENSON - - Director Associate Director -Assistant Director -- -- _ Editor _Associate Editor --Associate Editor Editorial Advisory Committee: COYT WILSON; H. J. AMLING, Associate Horti- culturist; K. M. AUTREY, Dairy Depart- ment Head; E. A. CURL, Associate Plant Pathologist; AND KENNETH B. ROY. PUBLICATIONS Listed here are timely and new publications reporting research by the Agricultural Ex- periment Station. Bul. 332. Management of Irrigated Cotton presents results of experiments on effects of cultural practices on yield and fiber qualities of irrigated cotton. Bul. 333. Financing Rural Homes summa- rizes sources of housing credit and prob- lems in financing rural homes. Bul. 334. Rural Housing Situation and Needs covers present conditions and needs of rural housing in the Southeast. Cir. 139. Decision Making in Meat Buying reveals major factors that affect housewives' purchase of meat. Cir. 140. Bahiagrass for Forage in Alabama gives information on production and utiliza- tion of Bahiagrass in the State. Leaf. 65. Warrior-A Bruchid-Resistant Vetch presents research informanation on the new, Auburn-developed variety. Free copies may be obtained from your County Agent or by writing the Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, Alabama. Published by AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION of AUBURN UNIVERSITY Auburn, Alabama LI ~ I ~reAr~ , I(AAI J. R. HOWES, Dept. of Poultry Science WALTER GRUB and C. A. ROLLO, Dept of Ag~ricultural Etigifeering Call wXith statndt Sevecit st tiine 1cl i)cl itiot is bectteri that) mrost othiei aliials. TIie tcamelt's hbeat to~lerance has1 lbec'tt kioxx i ftti a long tunle, buit olnix i ccelntlv has tI is ciharacteistAic of the chicken 1becn learnied. Sitin iner strie(ss is a tet ii ctined to dIi scibei thle sti ess to wxh ichlilan atll' inv expttsed duinPg suimmet. It r epreseit, total (dis1ruptiotn inl lil aitnals norioal we lilceing caused'( i~x heait. huidiitx light radliatitnt and othter factoirs. Pt tit Il tl are I)CCom-ing' ineasittglx axi at of itt Ie en xi ott met t inl their ci- ftorts to ccot il inicalix, pitodiuce eggs at t ( neat. This is cevidettced Ixv the itncreas- ing number 1ic of iiit tttihle(i enirionmet hoitses ht'iig constiructedi. One reasoin the Soittheastern Ultiftcd States is not at leatit ig eggu-pt iditctittn area is bccattse of diffhcuitx etncoutitered inl e tntt in icalv ixfroditciir nf0C t(h~diialitx eggs duiriing the ltong, liot and humid sit er inn 't' v ti patrts of the i atioti cx- per ience hecat stress inl short periods xxhein temitperatture (roes xxell oxe c 1000) F'. WheItn this happens, it is itot wicom- mutt1 fotr hundreds of ibirdis to (lie as a resl t of the sudden fiiiflux of ii ttei t x 65 e 60 90*F 55 So2l 4 5 The graphs show effect of high temperature on laying White Leghorn pullets in Auburn experiments. There were 80 birds to each treatment, all on 14 hours light daily and 6000 relative humidity and ventilated at 1 cu. ft. per minute per bird. cxpierieinced inl the Southeast. btut thi's airea i s liietd xwithi suniiflei sttress th at uisiaaliy h ists foI r sexveral m1oit tIs. The first lpritlit is ttt i(Iet tifx, the niin stress factors. TIhis is lieesxarx to ectulitttticatllx comibat the situiation ilt(] prtoduce env'ironmnle ts iargex' free of thle factors that redtuce egg pirtduictiiin. Frtont wotrk at AXnhurit anid elsewhere, i .t appears that hiimiditx reduces egg prducrtiont and grtx l u~x at tile highl- est tempileratur es. lThis, humidity protl- abl s is otie otf thle lesser evils. Ptreviotuis reseatrch has sihowxni tat chaniges itt day ienigthi stimuliate egg pro- dutetioit antd gruixxth. Sinice chaniges inl dax' length duiritig Ma "v tot Au gust are reiatixe 'lx small, patrt of tie aitx erse still) iner effects mnight he blamied onl lack of chanige inl dav ienigtht. Ilt xxexer, the ex- tetidcd 1 icrimtd of high termperaturte (at leatst 4 niionths ) xx iulci appeair to he the main cause of suimmer stiress iii tfhe Soith- elist. Phx sitl ogists itt D~uke Uiixersitx haxve cxrevele h imx catmels atre alct to slit x x ill ilitel ise deseirt lIctat. O il ottf the ilhaiti mlechailttills pe~rmittinig suitvxal is thle Ilarge ratnge iii bod 'iv t ciii utratu ite lie- txxctt iiidax atid mitight ( 18-9;3 F.) . Thie camtel is alte to "load" heat durinig thle (lax anid "uniloa.d" it difntg the cooiler ntight. Atubuiirn research in dicates that thle thicketi potssesses the satiie ltlilitx a is thic cal.d bu t to at nite lIiIesser diegree. Thits. chickenis call suiit ic andi prtidtce iti11IIh hetter if hot datxs ate reliexved b\x cooul itiglits thlt tlidter conitiinuouis high temperatures. Whlt exposed to heat, thicre aic( txx I actiions that hell) chicketix intitttaiit thetir ibitdics -iiicrutsedt'l icit lotsses antirc diilced hecat proi t ctit U in th l d li vlx. To step-n i heat lisses, respira ~t iuon is itt- creased I panttitg ), lood stiilY ini tile skini is incireased. xxitigs are( flexed, and thle birds dlrink ire xxalter. Ruedutced h1eat pitodluct ion r esutlts frit it retiu ced actixvity', afppetite, grit lt egg proitti ttiiit. egg size, aid t~ertilitx. Effect of high temper atiures tnt egg xwei ght andii egg fprtodu ictPit is iiliust rated bx thle graiph. Thetse datai sltixx that WXh ite Leghoin 1 plicts produ1ce tx a Ii, (plate goiod eggs at 80) F. It xx:is alsot ftttitid that these hit os pi tdlice its xxel at 80) F. ats it .50-60t) F. '[hiis is cotj trat x tt earlier, limited oiitrk elsexxhere that sihoxwed 5t0 (0tt F. its the btest tein petl re for layinitg p~lltl i It. USD)A xwork hast inidicated that birdis xwill itot suiti vxe att 100 Ft . atd 6I0%t' rela- tixve hittuidits . lliixxei r, ill Aithititi stit- diis fenliaies nott oitti ixedl under thiese condtcitiions hut proiduicetd eggs. Slttxx ii it) the photogiap )l iret liay'is pating ill Based ott the Aitinit ri eseartch resulits, col leter] titig heat "tress. inl pultryx itit heed lex isitig. Especiatllx, ftrint the stitndt- pioint ot ft(e Soiutheatst. results ilioicteo tha~t lain lg Wh'lite LeglLorti putllets xxill adtl t~el) P \prdutce xx liii thett telitp)rai- torIe is als high ats 80'- F. Sitce It nalt nott (eetinlg himtself ill lcix xwxirik lit. gills to) perspirte at abilitt F., the piultrx tnait catn seixve its his oxx] it ter- rittiltem. Whl the itpinattit ht'gii s tio feel iitit'tiifoit,itc lit' call ainciif his htells art likesc n fifected. This xxoiuldi Ibe his signalt to tatke pra ~ctical steps. illix iatt high tettiptt ,titt s. VH MER STRES aL1"NG POULTR NEW VETCHES E. D. DONNELLY, Plant Breeder E. M. CLARK, Associae Botan i ABlit XING li( l1l1-Sihilttii-ilig eCttli 5 a Iii(tX, that \xl proIn good~ viCeIsof fol 1 1, andit ee tCi s bahiX liCtldtl. illiCt these retjtiI Cillilits. I hiss CXCI these chllacteristics tio exist \XXitli ii thie fi Ililv or' gelios. I1fII tlesireCd trait tloit Sit OIC- cu r ill a speieis, oftC1 I it cll Ible fil] I ill anI othe I o f the sa~ile aem1ils. If tile two (I pCCics tall beC crosd i5 thtien tilt tde- sirale ChaactritIstics of tile two 0iiiiglit Ie viC l1111ineI in to o1ne X iitS . Tius 11a1 IICCII tile sttil Xo(f Xvetchl lllCedl) 1 researchl till. Le-gumer scetl Xvan 141 jtlX iii size. Se\- eral Xvetchi species fladX Cag 1s1eedXC, ( 1 iX- 1114 t ditIll ccI Li ii advX il tages as pasturIe ipLilits, sIitl its gireater sCetiIilla g i 41)1 .\lo st X(,tell) speie grCow1nIX I ill Alabama111 p di e low1tCIIX seedtiX eltds btcauseC of dis- case and i5Cset s. Si illC produc i (ro1411d seedt X Ild bu Ilit mahke sCed ovXer ai 1o(11y resttti. 'Fie( sptties dhiffer glatix ill per- cCiita1t iif halrd seed mIid ili XX ilter ihardi- Species Crossed Sfiwic 195t ninerolts attem~pts has C Ittli III c (to tIcross X\etch ispecies. EII- phIias is XXas plieetf 0 oSil 114sin h ,IId seed spcies XXith lntlnlslltterig species. 01l ICspcies 11 X 1 brid wiXXas (lita1iteI ill 1958 coinlillI Cttli (V. siitita) 75 Ila.r- IoXXleaf \(,tell (V. (iwigIstif 01)0). st-t if- ltistrlatiiili Elis biiid o ffeirs Osiliiitie-s fill tielo 1 )ii 1 4 aC~tI11 lee ii i '(,nnshatter- ilir 14. X CCXii resistan t X .ritX, Thfie felliailt parentit (1), AI. 1894, is a XX bite HloXX- II edl liliC o)f tcommn Xvettb that is rela- CIXk Ilol-siI tterllg and)1 produc1Ies good tics (If forage alldt seed ill Albamla. HoweveCX r it hia's it lowX prcl~tl ta gt of hard1( Slit 1 . TheC itiile par-el t (2), I iarroXI ti fias pil-plt. flos s 15ailt is lowX ill 51141)1 111111 slatteil 111 andit Ii ti lre IIIilifi l .Ii cal \cttli sImitte the fuir sci. Results The i~es ofCCIC I pirllie 1 )igliiCet ill the CIII1i4secdtlilqrs dlistingu4iishedt tile its brid iii! p ilt elitl', r lSefp I '111c two pareni t~ts difter ili 110 llio'sille nI 1111r (tile strulcti II S tha ,t carIX tb C 14eiies ) AXs a resu~lt, tile hirst-4cI eration CI sss XXe 93% steilet. Ill tle next 14111 ittiiiii 1 1% of tile lailts weret li1iii hI ctik'. AIa. I1894 ( femal pd arenlt ) hiad pi at. 121275 (iialt parenit) dX (Ti 0141( ilhoit that \a dl rol 11 19 to 60"7 hard( stttd iiitl aIX i i1ed 839. 'h iiis, first- 1clicI atilli tXX CCI the two parenit ts wXithi (spect to har 11( 1ct Iti ts. SteCd of Secid11-clicra1 - Setoi itel-(iiratio )i plani~ts \alied toill sidierail~l ill plalt t\TC; vSyr ca4Ol iiiiiiss of llatlilrits Shiape, size, and Colori of' 1)101 a11( sizt and1( color of' Seed l .11( flower C. ThereXXC~ Swlilt Xom \i14Ioils scc- olitl-aeClit1.tioll jplailts that pr oduiced a high per-ei itage (if hard steed. Thes (S rese-Icl) lCslts proXvidet cXi d iil iii g th a p r( 1 liC tivc S Ilo 1 1)1 t s ll" , I lV . .- 5, '5,- Parents, and first- and second-generation plants, of a vetch species cross. One par- ent (1), Vicia sativao produces good seed and fcrage yields but little hard seed. The male parent 12), V. angustifolic, is small but produces hard seed. Hybrids (3) were vigorous and averaged 39%o hard seed, Much variation was found among the sec- ond-generation plants (4 and 5), but some were vigorous and produced a high per- centage of hard seed. N5 4,,~"p 1-1--,. - __ I ! The areas here show pict immediately after January burn in 1952 and the same area five years after second January burn. F IR E a,. FOREST REPRODUCTION SHERMAN D. WHIPPLE, Associate Forese I l B LSC 1IL lit if\[-\(;1 titli b ill t itil rmt(it Itoo 11111( lorei IX atiiia4t'tieiit. I iIIX - IX t't it XX Ill(dlt o ((X t l ii('tdX tol ktioXX 1h (11 a i t atiii pllc t'.ti. irsCal])t lit IX lit' I'r l c llt'c ailt llpii ilttblII. Suc lols itistis iti tlit ipp'dtpc ofa~a it I ('4111 1111(11 litter t\ld ill glietllttsla tstuc1ur t X (It' hill , 11111 tit' l~f %illt ifiloc icc fit(, clll\ or lil slbs1951li Elc t i oct 1c rditoi A 00 buf1l t-l llteU~e osa 7.5%ol ,111 XX 111(1 X I' intjt 2t0 to ' %citlol 1)11lli III. l'ii X ('Atl vItls liiti d al-l two \\itsedl i llp' ti' Itl.' fit(, tesnta eooirotle ti (1acftr tilt' 1se5ft, e.d \vitilt iii1,\ ll stiii c f t. i [II 3.6 iii. rilt' itilt' fitli 2) ilie l im d t 19(. I at afot I thed beet'itic 1951-52an 3 fi 1(1i5al v'arX alt't till \isiii fter t 94-5fie A i l i t ofitlti ste fli t hii tol 3.6till. Z"D 1956 = 1960 I sw,1952 - 955 burn Aug-1 1951 -1954 ki, Gumn Got Hickory 31 Dogwood- Persimmo n Sossoiross Suaoc 4. Maple Miscellaneous Hardwoods %Xiiit Itlie- 2-o ito :3.6-iti. classes itl eteateti (31.5 to 45h Xt('ttlX)( iitt CTUe flX i195(5 of Ii iXtI after the X('t(itIl Ier acr and these ( wilt mosi 1 tglyilt 1)11 tilt 6 iex pilXtlX tha h9 sc S 1 llil Xt't'li sprowXtti froXX Xtlkile Jiori' [tll pos (A brouhtl atis stcitill totts 10itttt0 and pcr acret ill101 ~ Iaur tlid l .5 s a bl1.1 tlo stits 14. etil l-I ettill t XXit' lid l k 1 Ica it' llo i)i I t' 24i tt .dlld Ill. llIs a prsiit rIIX (1111 oc iitig It p i 't('i~t' (lit' ti ill II' Ila 1~tedX pio( c(IX itiltil'lj\its coIllsllXX 11114 li Xi li tl f'or''t de ia ill i' it Reproduction stocking changes following prescribed burning in different growth areas are shown above. TEN YEARS AGO about a third of Ala- bama's farm income was from sale of livestock and livestock products. Today livestock brings in 55% of the State's cash farm receipts. Growth in livestock production has greatly increased needs for feed. Since feed is the major cost item in producing livestock, price of feed has an important bearing on farm profits. Price Changes Prices paid for mixed feed and for feed concentrates (except cottonseed meal) went down in Alabama during 1956-60. The change was both gradual and continuous for almost every kind of feed. Cost of corn meal for feed in 1960 was down 16% from the 1956 price, but soybean meal dropped only 3%. Re- ported farm prices for broiler growing mash, laying mash, and mixed dairy feed were down 8, 6, and 4%. Farmers paid 12% more for cottonseed meal in 1960 than they did in 1956. Feed-prices fluctuated much less within the year than did prices of farm pro- ducts. Prices tended to be highest in July and August and lowest in Novem- ber and December. The feed having the greatest seasonal change in price was corn meal. It increased an average of 10% between the low in December and the high in August. Laying mash had the most constant average monthly price, showing only a 3% increase between November and June. Price data demonstrate that there was not a close relationship between price of feed and price of the principal pro- duct produced. The usual proportional change in average price of eggs is greater than the change in prices for other ag- ricultural products. Area Comparison Continued expansion of livestock and poultry production in Alabama will be influenced by the price of feed in rela- tion to other areas. To show the rela- tive levels, 5-year averages of prices for three mixed feeds and three important feed ingredients were compared for eight states. These states represent five areas of the United States (see graph). Arkansas had a price advantage for all feeds except corn meal, for which price was lowest in Iowa. Prices in Alabama were below those in Georgia and North Carolina, and were lower than in Mis- FEED PRICES changing as livestock industry expands MORRIS WHITE, Agricultural Economist BROILER GROWING MASH LAYING MASH MIXED DAIRY FEED 5.00 45Oune~ b H pIIe flfe i 4.00 1A .2 i.5L_. i...:. li:0 COTTON SEED MEAL SOYBEAN MEAL CORN MEAL tion toiii olhe ares.Tosho te 4.50: 4.00 3.50 0~o oZOi; ? oZ0O4 0 " :.o o2 AVERAGE PRICES PAID FOR SELECTED FEEDS IN VARIOUS STATES, 1956-1960 Shown are average prices per cwt. paid for selected feeds in various states in 1956-60. sissippi for broiler growing mash and laying mash. However, prices for broiler growing mash and laying mash were lower in Iowa, Ohio, and Delaware than in either of the Southeastern States. Soy- bean meal was most expensive in Dela- ware, whereas cottonseed meal was most costly in Ohio. Price differences among states were greatest for cottonseed meal and least for mixed dairy feed. Feed Use Increasing During the 5-year period of 1956-60, total Alabama feed sales increased at an average rate of 12.3% per year. Tons of poultry feed reported sold were 89% greater in 1960 than in 1956. Some states that had lower feed prices did not experience an expansion in use of feed similar to that which took place in Alabama. Among the reasons were lower feed conversion ratios obtained, existence of profitable alternative op- portunities, less favorable climate, and higher costs for other production items. A relatively low price for feed is only one factor that contributes to expansion of livestock and poultry enterprises, but it is an important one. Efficient facilities for handling and processing feed are es- sential in maintaining competitive feed prices and to continued expansion of livestock and poultry industries in the State. FIELD TURNING SPACE needed or TRACTOR EFFICIENCY ELMO S. RENOLL, Associate Agricultural Engineer CAN YOU cultivate as many acres per day as you think you should? Does your neighbor get more capacity from his row crop machines than you do? Field capacity of farm machinery var- ies greatly from field to field and is in- fluenced by many factors. Some have been analyzed and their effects deter- mined. Other factors, such as turning space, physical condition of turning area, and turning time, are being studied at Auburn University Agricultural Experi- ment Station. Turning Time Time spent turning the tractor in row crop operations may amount to 25% of the field time. Any reduction in time needed to make these turns would in- crease machine efficiency and field pro- ductive capacity. The time needed to complete a single turn in row crop work depends mainly on width of available turning space and ground surface condition in turning area. A narrow space that requires backing the tractor will increase turning time. Turning on rough area will also result in longer than normal time. Turning Space and Pattern Width of turning area will nearly al- ways dictate the type of turning pattern used. Space large enough to turn a trac- tor in an easy semi-circle pattern will usually result in the least turning time. A narrow turning space will require a longer than minimum time. Some common patterns used to turn tractors doing row crop work are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The turning space in Figure 1 is wide enough for an easy, normal turn. In Figure 2, the turn space is too narrow for turning the tractor without backing. This pattern requires 50% more time than a normal turn. The turning pattern in Figure 3 is used in fields having no turning space at end of row. This type turn may double the normal turning time. Surface Condition Physical condition of the surface in turn area can greatly affect the time needed to complete the turn. Rough ground, rocks, ditches, or other obstruc- tions in the turning area will increase the turning time. The table shows how obstructions in the turning area affect time needed to complete the turn. Under the conditions of these tests, obstructions in turning area increased the turning time by as much as 29%. Ditches in the area increased turning time by about 25%, while turning on a rough area resulted in an 11% increase in turning time. Summary 1. Turning space at the edge of row crop fields should be wide enough to turn the tractor and equipment in an easy semi-circle turn. A narrow turning space may increase the turning time by as much as 50%. In the case of fields hav- ing no space beyond end of rows, the turning time may be double. COMPARISON OF TURNING TIME FOR SEVERAL CONDITIONS Field Field Favorable Unfavorable number operation Ground Ti GroundInceas tr in condition Time condition Time turning time Sec. Sec. Per cent A ------------------- Cultivating Smooth 14.8 Ditch 18.0 22 B .................. Cultivating Smooth 18.6 Gullies 20.8 12 C Sidedressing Smooth 20.4 Ditch 26.3 29 D Sidedressing Smooth 26.0 Rough 29.0 11 2. Physical condition of the ground in turning area will affect turning time. Smooth turning areas require a minimum of turning time, whereas obstructions will materially increase it. 3. Turning space at edge of field makes it easier to operate large machines, such as a cotton picker or corn picker, and also helps to keep ends of rows free of weeds. Increased field efficiency obtained by using a turning space that is both ade- quate in size and free of obstructions will make it possible to (1) handle more acres with a given size tractor or (2) to use smaller and less expensive ma- chinery for a given acreage. ,, I Center of tractor Rows FIG. 1. Average or normal turn pattern at row end where turning space is adequate. : :Forward 3 1 D E8 m Reverse Rows M Center of tractor FIG. 2. Here space at end of rows is too narrow to make a complete turn, and re- quires backing the tractor. Turning time in this case is 50% more than that used for making the normal turn. SEdge of field SForward Rows M M M Reversem Center of tractor FIG. 3. With no space available beyond end of rows, tractor is turned by backing in a semi-circle onto the next pair of rows. Turning time is 2 times as great as that needed for normal turning. The PIEDMONT c One atc'o of the Station before development is shown above. Iliii Pi' i(Xio\ i Aiil o Alabmd ilg( tlit half ccltlirv iftt'r Aiicrcss Jack- tla' plcslilt. fitrilers c'lt'arc'd the( l~iti. \s iltd l r it'l top )Soil Cari c'tl ,a \ by slit'tt clolsill. hld a st'igc' (If 1101 X ct'X ll lHic'sc' it]d otiher r eastons cauisc't llanv 51fitirll ) llsl tot iiti the' onelaseru SUBSTATION A story of research for a depleted area L L. McGRAW, Assocoie Editor E. L. MAYTON, Superinterident tfie t'5t.1fbishilit'iit of at sublstation I ii tile Piediiiiiit Area for the ipirpose of tie- teimiin XX bat agricultural eniterprise 01) en terp 1 rises \vuX 0!b( est slippl~llic 0I* reice inceome trin c0tottoni. Substation Located ilie sifstiatioI %its 5,.5siif)(Iflitti lo- ('atcd'tlat Can llii Hill L illifoosil ( :0iii - tv. This Station is operatedf to sere thle Piedmont Soil Area comp)risedl of Cleburne Ic Clay. Biandolph. Coosa., iid Chainbeis Couni ties, the greater po rtionm of lilaflI osa, the iiort hen i ii f of Lee itt si0 oiler areas inl Elinore, Ch ifton, Shelbv, andi 'lal~ilegt couinties. The Station has 1.40)9 acres, XX ith about 60(0 icrcs ot opein land and c the rematinder iii stanlds of mixed timlber. Sin ce thle e stal Iishmniit of, the Stal- tion. persouniel of' tie Agricuilturial Ex- peimiinit S tat1(1 io have been iii tei ested The combination auditorium and office made available by legislative appropriation was dedicated in December 1958. 8 ill ap~prilisiiig fte sitiiation, all illo en ilitii ig research tinder similar e 0i1- tiitioi i s, ant Illing avilalible results to help farilicrs ilopi (IXe their fiiriniiig pro- gr'iis l ( iiiereaise iiie()ines. F'romi 1840 to 19 930) elttoil \\its the mlain eashi c'-of) ill tile ara.)i tle cad Is tiirtit's cottoil ileaeilge coni trol s cill sc I at deelinie inl ioXX (rop itercagt'. Thle tot- tion iacreage (If it typical u liit X oe 70,000)( ieres is iiow doxs n to less than (1,000 acres. This snggested It'e idea o research oili a fliii ni-ali agenlient ii it has is. Per 01 a itcot s egetatioli of, s erie ta. kudzu'i, permaiient pasture, Miit ss intei il i ti ills XX as used foIr grazling t:i , v coxss. , Flese foragre crops ss trt' stiple-~c Iiieiiteti \sith alill fa i 'oss i s hayi ill tile \eiln-i*111 fioriliage I eetlilig prograil Cotton-Dairy Management Unit The' tstafhlishinlt of1 ii iIilk planit ill the area inl 1942 grave t'ipetus toI the tes- taihli'iient oIf at Cottoii-iDiirx \laullige Intilt Ul it ats thle first tllillk Iorgilii- izeti projct o(il thc' Stat iin in I1947. Thiiis tinit inludeitd't 19,5 iert's (If laod s itli iltiifit'l 1M)) acres Ioll'ii anti 655 acirts I ciiiilliiig inl tiiihir oir tloo steep (Ii rouigh fill farinilg. \'ear periotd 1947-.57. 'is at fallliN ts p1 11,.2 fill tilflt \voilke'is. \liniihficturilig grade 5th i ircs it csl iil 110r t'. rili psouirices of ash t losss ni ot tif' All i i axrgc' of 22 toss \vr mXtit ~ilkedt dfill- ilig the' fast xc'.u (19.57) ssitli .i total (If 27 hitifers or hit'ifc'r calis 'o(il iloec'itois\ I)c ill(,i c fcc xt 'xlix ia sac~i ~lcx 'ci age( 1 : 975 anid 'cpcixes S2.63. leavixing~ at net cashl ii coinc of $1 ,3,3T. I otcill xiltx f101 t cItI' 1* vci period1 1947-57 as ci aCdcr S5,788 ciillialis xx ith aliical cash expen ses~ of $2,994, lea ili g an] axer- itge oit (litslincome01 of $2,794. Thei first 3- ,sear ax cracge shoxx ed 61%C of the iii- ('011' ('dil' fro dtiirx inr, :3T% frcom cot- souirc('('. liii' ll I \cr xci ge slloxx t' that 71 fC colie fc1romn ciairx icc i 24% from11 ('ottoli.an W ( Irol 1101)1 l sou1r('('. Lxpciixcs xx ('1 high ill elitctioii tio ill- ('oiii('(cliccili tihe ecui'l vcarlx cro(''lps xxer e'i'staishiedi fe'nce's bu~ilt, itod( fexx ci -ox, mil)1kedc. In comi)e andi( expeinises stai i izedi afiter aboiiit 5 s ears of opeiaionc. Miilk prices delecd approcximately one- foirt afi cter 1948 and1( increac'csed prlclic- tii xx ci offset xcill~i ncxi t 1)5 ticis dec- ('hule ill picie. Dlvixliii acccuiitedi foii morei'( of tie cc' h scid aes ats coxx nudmbiers MI( pi'odi ction in crieaised anid coet tcon acreage \\,its limiited1. AXs the Un it pr ogressedi the forage picogian\iitxs. siftcd froiicii ropx stlch ixs senCACi and kccchzcc tco stilliller id xx Iii ter iiaiils. Schi grcasses is Scicin cid Stairi iliet xx 'c' uised~ ill siilic'i, 111)11 sidii araiis cocci ci'iniscic (cix er-i'xegi ass nIiixtiirc(s iii xx inter cand~ cccii splog.f The(sc' pircived to be 1 t'1 tter cropif)' for iclclk Thil e breeioig prc grcco ill ti)is herd iiacs in 'i(clne proti sires cor sirex prcoxedc xx itii thle herdf. TIhis hasi gix cii a trec illenicls ini cl cx ill p rodi icticl drinii g the past 4 \ ears. The acveciagce pc ciuc- ticl per cox 1has in creacsed f rcont 6,40)2 11). in i19.57 to 10,953 inl 196t0. The Iciah- ext imicicii incrcasc' per ('ccx 2, 381 lb _ (1cnc il 1959. c'e i'(si uts of! the opc'rcat icon hav e ibeein (5cc 1 t cccm xxei' thle cquest ion - (Ccii tile p rocl~ (ticonc(I of i icilifict iri cc iii ilk slip- pliel('nt tilcc ilc ('clnt 1 il (i) 'cttcli tio prc- The dairy-cotton management unit has highlighted the research at the Station. Here anii- mols are grazing Starr millet and feeding an silage representing the twa feeding systems used in the dairy research. videt' ccicirin1 icciicii\ lixving' Tle acicxxxer xx otilc bei yets iii iitnY( ii ixtc(''x piro- sided daiiry ing is hacncdlec il it a ccir roundlc ilis' s'iti l asicificicit iccili'e ccf tco uctil ize l'cci il ici labr. Procfitcab le' (I ci i ilig micust be cil cc Conctininiig bisis ccl gclcld feediig, gcood breed in g, 1( c gcocod mcii igellicnit. Ill t'criv 1958 lice Mana c~ge'n t Lji it xxcx c(ciotiicied. N\c'x fcc'ilities )x rc addiced tco prcvxide i imilkicig plrci andc~ cclciii'it, caid foucr silcos. 'TIe heid xxits coinver'ted tco a pi c gri o to cmpiie dlrx- lcit leedliiig. xx'itbj pastu cre cas feed sccurces ill iicilk proi'cittticcn. Uicer tilt icexx pro'cgramii drl'oit cl5x'5 art' fed cciii silacie aii ci alflf iii cc Icc ts rc ci chages. Pasxtcore (ClxxS grazuec Stacurr ili i let, smcchl gracins, ('rillisco cloxer-i's egrass ixitcur't' and( permalcnent pacsture' at dif- ft'reint pe'riodls cf' tilt xYear. The cilipaci- scoil is 'x cci i-i'oci i cixxitchc coth grup f)s fed tile silt'e 14% ciileet'it citti'itii ac((cord- hng tol indciv iduld1) citicitticcl. 111i5 ex- fleilIiict is aipp rcxla ctelx' illf xx ccx tilrc-lgil tilt projcl~'~ted' 5- v cciil fpcricod. T'hc first 2- x ecr rc'suits inidica'tt' little duffer- t'i('t it) imilk proll((icicn ccii the txx'c for- agt' sy ste'ims xxiti cly itc slighlt c'lst dlif- f ei'ence iii fao c fci c t he paisturiie grcocp.f Beef research at the Station includes the cow-calf system. One of the cows with her calf and a group of animals on a grazing paddock are shown here. Tit' be't' utctit iresecirtch xx cok ait thei Stccticcic Consist in g ill tilt tclxx -(cut xx's- tmiofil prcoduc'ticcn stcaited it) 19-49-50). Filt'cclx x airc sccld act 8 tio 10 iictils olf acge t'.c'igimc sliglls ccxe c .500)1ih. bet't' aimaiils \\asc stcartt'd icc I19J5.5. Piiits Ibeting 1 (coliip 'cIe ccr' (Coastl ii 3rm ccc Icc graiss xx ithl ic'aiines. I )idlhixilcss xx'itic Ic gullic's. liciiaiicss xx ill ic'giilc'x ilic itIciic'/.i c'i cccl. Icc 19.56 anccc 19.57 the pilisticri's xx c' gTit cc 'c xxtic x cciog xte'trs, and sicce 9.5S xx itfi t'ccxx andic cuccisiicg tciakes. C:oastal Bl-cccclcgi xitgr c \ it gcaliic' hacs gixc~ tiht ticp it\icid of cecf pci. ien' xx ith bocthi stt't'i , bircod (clxx\ ancid t'cix xe. At pr'e'sent ccfciticlccc xxiiik xx iticx c'cic'c Cciivxes is ccciitt'mphlatecf ti cae-iii x tic ill) oli tco 1heaviier' xx cigi ts Ibe(folre illccrkct iic Icc 19.54, 60 breediig c'xxes cf' tsx'c breed tcomcpcoxitionis, Ria ic hcui i lt andct Stcif folk- iicnioiilt't cro~sses, xx tie pitll- c'ihased fiii r'ese'cr'ch. Iii 19.57, 123 addfci- tionaill licclcfcciliet cxx cs cniuuf like cccmii betr ccof .i aglet' cxxx's xxet' cacdcedi. These' exx cs hacve t' e l t cs(,'d prflirici tic tic' t('ill cc xx ich br't'c xxicclii gixc fill- cdicppetd lambls fcoi the sprinig icccr-kt't. ELxx ofic tile~ IRiillilcict lreed hccvx coc-i sisteictlv (gixeic iliccic fcchi diiclf 1 )e lcicchbs. 11(cide x cirictacc ti'sts ofi lilcli ., I cspe- dle.it xcica ('' siiciil gc'ciics. ccciii. gilciii xccrghciitll, ciicc xcci'gcl, r itt' f ci i c iil(' iii p~~''lacment fc cilccfilti peiccicmiii gilccx iclixtci c: c'ffect ccf se''c trc'ccticit oni stiiid ii and iiolic'tiilil of clx: tiilic cc! plilcictilig cnd ir-cticdx o clcitiliticig cccts cli x vllcit : cccccl ic 'cicfitci'ixc oiic ('cc]ii ccc l cighiluicils .ct dliffeent xilc'iic's accc i tes ccf fertiliticci for xilicie. ccl incomice tcc tile Stcatioci. [ti 19.51 cand 1 961) ti 1111 r 'cii cds xx v're't ccuised ccc cc icicirkici 1h"x prccfc'xionccl tccicstc' i cit c fe'e isis. \ppccxiicctcls c4 lililiil liii. ft. of, xccxx lccgsxic scld ;it each ct'c- till 1 . Hollies can be used as a low growing hedge in garden areas. HOLLIES for Alabama LANDSCAPE HENRY ORR, HOMER FISHER, and TOK FURUTA Department of Horticulture VIOL 1 IES . ADAPTED 1 to the Sou1th,Ma iiicet in a ji r laondscape neetds oif the aveci- a ge Albamiia h 1115e. V ariat ioniis in size in clutdiong stan dartd ii icltliiin large trees, init dwxarf cin- pact planlts ai it vau iatioi is ill foliage alit 1 fruit Liiioaden tI e range iif tises. Thle collectioln oif hollies iisetd ill the lanidscape plaii at Auuhtrui Uix ci sits is sin all inl relaitionl tio thle 1111011( oIf knoil i sp~ecies antd cuiltivatetd varietics. It is valuable. bowsever. b~ecause it inlcludtes nlativ e 11(1 intriiduiced species and culti- v ated xai ics. Native Species The n umboer of ex etli iil alit 1 decidol- oIls species niativ e tio Noirth 'Nilcicis1 llctxx cc 20) iid :30. NMoiv tif these ie inoportalit planlts iii laitlIscapilig. 0Of this iuuinber, the fIollowxillg hive pro vetd vil- liab11le~ oi the campuis: All alical i Hiolly I Ilex ojaca ), I ahtiol aid Alabam sa Da.u- liooii 11(1v (1. cassii( an11( 1. c.. oogiisfi folio)', tdwarf and regular X auipm I1 c (110itorio ). Iniklserrvx (I. 11abai , . 011( Conmon J.i livreix I ciiloto) Other species xxill Ise added perili lalix fiii testinig. Law Spreading Types lIs the Atihuiu collectiiin aire spread- lng. relativecly loxx txpe(s- Hellers, Stokes. andt Be:pauitlans tiiriiis of aa nest Hollsy. and Dwxxarf Yatipoui. 'Fhiese plauiits have prouvxed valul itas liixx boird- ers, griion cover',. all]id s eintiry, facinlg. Iigs. Ilor at liiwx, dci is effect iii xxellI 10 dirainetd peciailly Shade. planiters, thlesc plal its are es- effective iii full] stiii or par tiail Intermediate Types hitel osedliate. dfense spirtatliig, mit iiu iit-Iscadd tl 1ants inlud111e these j apa- Isese Ho1111 foris- ((Ill Xleaf, roani- leaf. a11(1 I letz. A usabsle, p laiir Chi- iitse Ilollv in this class is 1. eoi uta ro- tii do. All o f th ese pl ao ts call b~e easily ail effectix elx used ill the cuiitemporarv laindtscaple as spetiimeni mass, or groupif plaiitinigs . Little Clippinlg is reqfirIetd to (deve(lop ai denlse, xx li fornieti planit. WVith the smnall leaf. tdark greens foi ins, a"bx wxooid effect' cali fbe iiiailitaiiietl wxiths less in isect and dtIi sease probhlems th an xxiths fbioxwoiot. 1. ((Iitta rotunda1( is a coariserc planut xxithi the~ spread fbeinig twxice the hieighit. Plo its t0 tio 12 sears old airc 2 to 3 ft higrh atid I to 6 It, xxide. lie- cause of 'spilliness aitf ifeliseliess, it can Lie uised ais it lowxx faia1er Upright Farms t pright formis of valuiie i the \iiuirii collection) arc: flex co ro ohi, Ch inesex Holly a11(1 thei cult isateti variety, Bfo i rd Chjiiese Hollx'; four of the lostcr's lix - hi ids. Nos. I through 4; 1. aqipernei io B~rillian t; lex ca(05si1, Daib o: I. casi s5 ie (1 ugnistifolio, Alab~aiu a I >11 (a; mitd I. vomiitoria, Yautpoii. With the excep)tioni of I. a(/iiiJcrniij Birilliant, all of the upright plants listed are siftable for back-grounid screens. Bil- lianit teinds to grow loosCIX' and( pictures- qiue. It is phirti ulhsu ix valuable for at line- tracerv effect against a tall plaini paiiel of at buildinig or against a background0( grarden wall. Foster's Ilylritl hllies. Nos. 1, 2. mid t3 are n arro"s iiprigi t forms thsat fruit heavily each year at At~Uls i. 'Ihle fruit colors early ani is heldiuntil newx fruit is set. Foster's Hvlbrid No. 4 ha~s n ot grown i as striong at Au bunrii as iin Bes- semer where all the Foster's Hlybritds ri-gilia tetl. Tliese 1)1)11ies growv 10ore ci inpactl ,v at Auti iri t han1 at Molbile, but nottias Com pIact lv as they w\\iil](] ini areas fuirthe r north. Unusual Hollies Uniusuial Liolles iif valiie ill the Auiburn collection include: Lusterleaf Hlollv (I. latifolia). one of the lairgest leif osrios xx itli Icas es 4 to 7 us, in length; Long- stalk Holly (I. ;)edliniie os ) , wxith pe- thi i icles and il Ieticl e drui itstalk ) upl to 2 in. iln length pendutlu s forms of Yauipoi (1. coiiiitorio I; aiid several yel- lowy fruited svarieties of Aiocricaii 1 ollx I. oc'a). Peiotically select ionis fiioit 1ilalix source~s Suich as the UTSDA plant il ir (hi lt ioii statioil and arlsi eti ills, are altlet for eValatioli. Also seIlectedC seed- liii gs froin sexveral liuirseries arie 1beillg ciiompared wxithi ciiltix atill 50rict iis. -t.-c~c -- t u oly mnay ot. uscd 0% as OCt p,fS, or -1t, 01 01 1tC... pilroon 9 S it. (:owXs milk hcavilv whelo graz~ing litsh oaits, I X ve, Xhbe, I X Igrass. crIimson clo ttver. alid( Starr nlillct pasture('. A plemI~l1 XXitli annuiial 'i ops is X .1 ia- till ill foirage quiality' (li g thie grizing 5..scasi. Whleni thetse horages piss tjejir peaik and1( beginl decrea~sinig iii tpiailitv, cowXXs resf )(In( IX \ith it produlctioni drotp nless supp)lemenicltary feed(ing is (1o1ne. Nutritive Quality Studied Variationis iiillitritive qualityit oflSo sI eral aliiuiial forages have ibeeii studied1 A gricuilturiial Exper i ment Station. Ociem age tli'% inattei have bc l)C deteillil dli(I, iII somie stuieis, for'age dri' iiiattei ('illiied byX 'ows5 was1 iitasiiet. Somle ofi the paistulres ss tic (iiowni at the Pi('(iilon~t Sublstationi. ( iiipI Hill. and olthers atl tile I).mirv IRescarim ni it, .Au- blurli. Siiice all we re not gi own at the Same locaitioni or II' iiig thle saiiie 5 Cal. most compar~iisonsi ar~e IiIlitehi tio (lialiges wXithii Species din it palrt of tile girow- ing season)I. Forages gross i at the P'ied' 1111 t w ere graized ro t atio nal ly and( thoise atl Atil)Irn wXere arazed continua- il"iy. All Studyl p~astuires we re fertilized with :365 11). or nillre iif 8-8-8 oi its e(ljlivalI'iai and~ at least 12 1) l. of am- Composition and Digestibility (:lude prioteini conltenlt of all foiriges Was icelat ively' high I t1 each sam pl ing perioid, laigilig front 26.7 to 17. 1%. li (XX CX C, theri \it 5545 proii oh ic de-. These cows are grazing an Italian ryegrass-crim- son clover test pasture at the Piedmont Substation. G. E. HAWKINS, Dep of Dairy Science E. L.. MAYTON, Pied-, Substation J. A. LITTLE and G. H. ROLLINS, Dept. of Dairy Scien-o Forage Quality of Annuals Varies During Grazing Season crease ill cru'idie i irtcii IXellbew n thle first amid] last samhiwiis. Crude fiber etoit cit tof a bruzzi i X Xits 17. 5 % or less fri 0 NIXvember to jiolaiv. Al rtULzi I ye, oats, adl wh X eat I oi age samptles e il etedl M Iairch 1 2 15 had si mil ar. crde fib1 er conlt Ciits (20.1 tii 2t.9/), its comiparedl X\itli 14.2%4 fur Itil ian rvegrass-cri jason clovIXer du(1riniig tile saini period. (.rode fiber colitelits of oats. XX heat. and rs 'egi ass ci illisoli ('loXcr io('reasedl markedlX from tile Mlai'ch to ApIril 12-19 sampling dhats. HIoweer crude~l fiber ot ala ii,,i I- Xe remainedel eI- Staii I i l t inea sed ll eIiic de fibei IY 2.7i% fron julie 29 to jtil\' 27. Average tligestiiilitx' oIf (uN mnatter oIf altl XXiiiti'i aliilial fill ages XXas high.1 ialo I)mIGES 1111 I IX OFI ANNUi L FORGE I'iiii ATi5(i5/ I. I)iFEAU]t-\I SEA SiONS I.- [HL 1F 1 1)1 i MATTERi BIISi I)igestibilits ot echl forage' gi itt D atcs Oat's 12/8-2) 1 /7 2 /20-26 :3/ 12 : 1 4/1-1-f7 .5/4-5 .5/31) (6/30) 9/29 10/ 15 AA Ei 1151.1 Itailian rN c'- Whcat Abri-izzi ry e gaIss Cril Iso IS)Sair i liet 701.7 69.3' 74.7 7f 1.0' 58.8 68.0 AX crigcs tiof it tials (iiiii the 1-ortHd gix ('i. (, Ciitiiniio'lsk gla/i ( pasture's it Aubu~trn, ill tither patijr's riutatmnill\ 14rau't at PIcd't ibunt Subtstatioun. 11) li\etis 6.1(8.4 iand 74.9, Ifromo I)i, (Celillbc 8 tii \Lareli ",)I. I IowiXXc CXI.(igisti- l)ilitX of oats, XX hat, amid ailinmzi IX C (cl('Ced~ rapidly fr ont \lcli tii thle Xh eat had ftu mlost raid.f~~ drop1 ill d(igsti- Ililits . t)iicstiblitv oif Italli IX (')4i .15 thriough l\ .5 and tlicmi (letr(',se(I rap- i(hIX, to a liow lit 58.8% iu \las :30' Piaiigt oIf, (itestillilitX (If ea1ch1 foigi'c is gTiscli ill thet table. LII age dri Xmiatter ilitakecs Iv cowXX grilr ou ats coIIItiolIIlX decreasedl friom :3 lb. per 10tt lb. oif l)odX \\cigit oin March 12 tio 2.7 11). ol Apil 17 . liitakcs b\ '(X ow gra/jlw wg'sheat ('(lit 1111111 sk dce ('icised ftrlom 2.9) tio 2.2 lb). pe'r 16ft Il). bok X tigh~t (1111 i)4 thle 51101' periodt. thuls. its ss hat aid oaunts oecai et the ci (I tiii't iltak' tof (((oXXX \\ias r'educedl b\ Starr iniiict X\\s.a aol Ilia 11lit' pals- tuliv I' (li'ji tile' Cl-IX pai t of Ht'e gri! '30. I o~c i.it bad (11(1easetl tol 5 7 . 7 %/ o(f 34.5cc mi Oc)tober 1.. ilIitt5 oaits. XXhea t. ilbrll,'i rXe c. taliaio IXV (ri 155cr CilIllil ClovXer. andl Stall Inilt pasti in's aire igh I palitv toiw ags ii it il thle jiltts lbegini tol lilitili CrIid]il H Fow ce r. qulalitX dcre'(ases r apid]lhA is,. the plaits 11111 thle peli id XXIliiii stitI heads ar(, toill 1(. ITl 111111liiil h id levI'sels it iiit'its Shouild be increaI'sed l as pasture upuialit\ diflops. 7 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL SMTWT F S SMT WT F S SMTWT F S SMTWT F S S2 3 4 5 6 7 ' 2 3 4 8 91011121314 5 ' '0l 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1516171819 20 21 q 91011 12 13 14 15 22 232425 26 27 28 1617 1819202122 293031 24 25 26 27 28 29 Timely Planting Ups Oat Yields SEPTEMBER SMTWT F S 12 I 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9,0 , 101 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 iv ... . 15 16 17 18 17 18 192021 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1920 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 293031, 2627282930 AUGUST -WT F S 1 2 3 4 5 2345 1 91011 12 16 17 18 19 223242526 .9 3031 DECEMBER SMTWT F S 12 3456789 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 192021 2223 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31 F. S. McCAIN and C. C. KING, Dept. of Agronomy and Soils P LANTING OATS at the right time can put more dollars in your pocket. Re- search results show that yields of oats can be increased by planting earlier than is the usual practice. Experiments on dates of planting oats were conducted during 1952-57 by the Auburn University Agricultural Experi- ment Station. The tests at seven loca- tions were designed to measure effect of date of planting on yields of oats grown for grain only and for forage and grain combined. Two Management Systems Tested Oats were seeded at the rate of 3 bu. per acre. Two series of plots were used at each location with one series managed for grain production only. These plots received adequate rates of phosphate and potash fertilizers at planting. Fifty lb. of nitrogen was applied as a top- dressing about March 1. Another series of plots was managed for production of forage (grazing) and grain. These plots received the same phosphate and potash fertilization at planting as those managed for grain only. In addition, a topdressing of 50 lb. of nitrogen per acre was applied when oats were up to a stand. Forage removal was discontinued about March 1 and an additional 50 lb. of nitrogen per acre was applied. All. plots in both series were allowed to mature a crop of grain and grain yields were measured. When consumed as green pasturage, 1 lb. of dry matter from oat forage is considered equal in feed value to 1 lb. of oat grain. This factor was used to convert forage yields to grain equiva- lents in measuring yields. As shown in Figure 1, forage yields for comparable dates were highest in southern Alabama. There was little dif- ference in forage yields for comparable dates between central and northern areas of the State. Highest grain yields MAY SMTWY 123 1 2 3 7 8 9 101 14 15 16 17 I 21 2223242 28293031 SNorthern Central Southern Northern Central Southern FIG. 1. Yields of oat forage from different planting dates during the 1952-57 test years are shown by the graph above. 12 FIG. 2. Shown above is a comparison of grain yields from clipped oats from different planting dates during 1952-57. Aug. Sept Sept Oct Aug. Sept Sept Oct.N S S pO ct.00 6. 20 130020 20 10320 10 103020 10 Northern Central Southern FIG. 4. Shown here are yields of oats man- aged for grain only from different planting dates in 1952-57 experiments. on clipped plots for all planting dates were produced in northern Alabama, followed in order by central and south- ern regions, Figure 2. A comparison of Figures 2 and 4 shows that yields of grain were decreased by clipping, but the forage obtained more than compensated for the loss. When forage and grain yields were com- bined, there was little difference in max- imum per acre production of feed in all regions, Figure 8. However, there was a difference in the best date to plant for maximum yields. Best Planting Dates Recommended planting dates for for- age and grain production in the three regions are: northern Alabama, Sep- tember 1 to September 20; central Ala- bama, September 1 to September 30; and southern Alabama, September 20 to October 20. Planting dates did not ma- terially affect yield of oats grown for grain only in any of the regions, Figure 4. The maximum difference, 8 bu. per acre, occurred between the September 10 and October 20 planting dates in central Alabama. This indicates that most any of the planting dates in any of the State's regions is satisfactory for grain production only. Yield, pounds per acre 3,20 0 1400 S Forage and grain Grain only FIG. 3. Combined yields of forage and grain from oats planted at different dates during 1952-57 are shown in the graph. PLUM VARIETIES for ALABAMA J. D. NO0RTON and J. L. TURNER D , partment of Hloriculture Eight of the most promising plum varieties for Alabama are: (1) Methley, (2) Bruce, (3) Ozark Premier, (4) Giant Cherry, (5) Red June, (6) America, (7) Brilliant, and (8) Munson. piotLETItio i p it t.'t's aie ste firstt' se ll p ie iit't'dt'd qurlit\ lui 1 Xc xadiptei itli ii e iloti (*\it S,i (roo pro dtion \iitic it Sepi \iisuI 1t ti. o til i iik alIII it 1 Stitstwi v pao.il ()iark Prei tiii , Staikiiig 1)ehit'i itid ritilir's iie (i(5 l ilt'u tii \lt'thlt's ait' w~ stIrit high ietld eerlt' huas t'sc Itit Te ti is V i, wx it upright gr rte. Didiit't' Methiare of l t it'iiici hand .m5iiiis jige iis s i ll arii lyi i e i lit 11i d uC high CXoVilt coor ' Sie dili u pr i h thi lpi teet'it ,i ildst h I i ip is Iii i tllt ilitt' ne Iiii Otark ivin ha)' iiu s lis firni0 1l011i i/t. flli\txt' i tN iii is-e fit-iiii' I tpil to hll uit 'iitI p. T he\'ctii I'itt, 1 1 'itx itBA I sis EHiT tit, i oO , I 1ilsEsT, ANDo Yll [A) l1EttiIi)S ituit 12 lil .o \It11111 . D24 it)o Itiilliaiit I ./3 6/25 ( Utt(liii is 3, 29 6/27 Bu.1tt :3, 22 6 29 licd J it I I 6 29 uts atl :3 27T 7/2 \Iiamiiillt ( Car. :3 27T 7,/5 Bct ti :~s 3 :1tt T7 1 -1 NI I I siii 1I - .5 7/15 Stiu kiuta IDl. .25 7 26 I I l.s5ki 29 - ) 26 Skiin Stollet ' l llsl rttltlshil .a rt ttisli por. itilk~ ti i I t'tl h ur Ic topil' Oitll~ ol~ t (I to\\rtt (ttriugit I ittI s) ibissc \(,I.tos ciil is. aiid I llit i 'Sl ilt'. igi iiitts wets ti, iiuit i's 5 1 i ',t le 't lidas corniniteial pi ss ibI ti ties. ijThei Mamt 'lii, i i a tit is iitt'tt tlin re (ii gin Low Sii iz e, iiliid- lii leit qull It i y. Tis i il iict hc a p l it' IIi rii 't bruitN ito i itt t pot .aictts Ir tlt'stii a ili itll ii.Frit illuuilt 3 xx tuko luite edrl Bty po us frh 5 ,urth siittuhi xs'ilt ofphili th vairtiete.I dvlp i lilliat ls :dfut abiout i3tuis ibiifottitt hart. iThies high qaityItIit li gt'. ittll wit iprggr~h it ~ ~~RoItsl lhis i lit' fruit wsithi ei'(-et'lltt t of'ex grothx tli lit x tk. IFrtuit rqit'its ill itid- dll- to it lte Jout'. itt sioi- Gianit (it'h i I l xig i i iii ios. tupiigh t itths tiet' thait prodt,-,t' high it'lts. 'lT'e Ii it gutl is high iii siigar. Httseeri thei Iiruit is Coarse' i) tet'\urt' lat.kiuig ill Ila\ oi aiid ieldtI spa t'ildilt trieit that pi lhict's high to itetds. Fruit is high uquidiity ,iiit Iiglils ittoililtit'; 10 itu i sitt.l al m i Ii~'i (,I tu I ,s s,,(p ett' 10 8l n fru it i wilnilii suaitisthattt rls itlls 10 fruit tIlil~litx is hto us low iio ist' is t'uuii- Althoill"11 hloolll (Lit( wcl C I It t I I' I It 4 111 cL )1' thil t It 'i I I' I I it I I I i It I I I'll t\ \\ itS to- latcr t I oil I I I Im I I I a I m I I I lost \ ill itticS. FrIlit i/r.: I 111allc t, 10 hil'-,cst. Stolw fl,,11t ": I lim" 10 fit.c. Yitld! I Iw 1\ it-ld, 10 lwt\i1lIlIlII \ w1d, C O N T A I N : R Sproblem C ONTAINERS USED in marketing are an important problem of Alabama's vege- table industry. Produce is received by wholesalers in a great variety of pack- ages. Even for the same commodity, containers vary widely in size, dimen- sions, and construction. Produce grown nearby is often delivered in bulk and in open trucks without refrigeration. One large handler reported receiving snap beans in shoe boxes. Magnitude of the container problem was learned in an Auburn Agricultural Experiment Station study of procure- ment practices and problems of whole- sale handlers of fresh vegetables in the State. A major objective was to investi- gate ways to increase marketing effi- ciency. Representatives from 4 major chains, 3 brokers, 23 carlot receivers, and 32 jobbers were interviewed. Most fresh produce offered for sale in Alabama re- tail stores was channeled through one or more of these firms. In order of im- portance, firms purchased from broker- receivers, growers, shipper- growers, farmers' markets, jobbers, and repackers. Fresh vegetables from 39 states and foreign countries were brought into Ala- bama by the firms studied. Containers Preferred A summary of wholesale dealers' con- tainer preferences for major commodities is presented in the table. Several pre- ferred containers were named for green- ripe tomatoes, collards, cucumbers, lima beans, rutabagas, turnips, and strawber- ries. The 12 commodities listed in the table were selected on the basis of vol- 14 in marketing vegetables DONALD R. STREET and E. E. KERN, Dept. of Agricultural Economics ume handled from a total of 39 being sold by wholesale firms. In 35 of the 62 firms studied, snap beans were of major importance. Thirty- two of these 35 firms preferred the prod- uct to, be delivered in bushel hampers. Of the 39 firms reporting cabbage of major importance, 35 expressed prefer- ence for the 50-lb. mesh bag and the remainder preferred crates. All 39 re- ports concerning head lettuce favored a fiberboard vacuum-cooled package. Fifteen of the 19 firms reporting new potatoes as a major commodity preferred 50-lb. bags, 3 preferred 100-lb. sacks, and the other, which had bagging equip- ment, chose to receive in bulk. The 20-lb. fiberboard box was the choice of 25 of the 33 firms handling pink tomatoes as a major commodity. Two firms desired the 40-lb. fiberboard box, three the 60-lb. wirebound crate, and one each preferred the 60-lb. fiber- board box and bulk delivery. Firms reporting Commodity commodity to be of major importance C abbage -------------------------- Lettuce-....... Snap beans ---------------------- Red and pink tomatoes- Celery- - - - - New potatoes ----------- S q u a sh -,. ------------------------ Field peas Sweet potatoes--...... ..-- Corn-- - - - - O kra.- - - - - - Sweet pepper------- Number 39 39 35 33 19 19 11 9 9 6 6 6 General Agreement Found There was much agreement on con- tainer preference for specific commodi- ties. More than half of all reasons given for container preference involved quality maintenance and standardization of the trade. A few containers for each com- modity capable of meeting these require- ments permits quick and easy trading, according to the buyers. Price discounting was reported where a variety of sizes and types of containers was used. Ease of handling, customer satisfaction, and ease of display were other reasons given for specific container preference. Facilities available to marketing firms for handling commodities were related to container preference. One of the chain organizations had bagging and boxing equipment to service their retail outlets. Seventeen of the 23 carlot receivers had boxing and bagging equipment as com- pared with only 4 of the 32 jobbers. All of the earlot receivers and jobbers had adequate boxing and bagging equipment for present use, but only 12 of the car- lot receivers and 3 of the jobbers had adequate facilities for the future. The likely continued increase in chain store handling of vegetables may require better packaging of produce nearer the point of production. The trend toward direct marketing means that producers and shippers will have to give closer at- tention to acceptable containers than they have in the past. Inferior and non- standardized containers are costly in terms of quality loss, cost of repacking, and price discounting. Packages will need to be easy to handle, stack, and load to be shipped with confidence. Marketing efficiencies achieved can benefit farmers, distributors, and con- sumers: through higher profits, lower prices, and better qualtiy of produce marketed. Major container preference 50-lb. mesh bag Fiberboard carton Bushel hamper 20-lb. fiberboard box Wooden crates 50-lb. bag Bushel hamper Bushel hamper Crates Wooden crates Bu. and half-bu. hamper Bushel hamper and basket Preference over other desired containers Per cent 90 100 91 76 89 79 82 78 67 67 50-50 50-50 VEGETABLE CONTAINERS PREFERRED BY 62 WHOLESALE VEGETABLE DEALERS IN ALABAMA, FOR MAJOR COMMODITIES HANDLED, 1959 Soil Fumigants for ROOTKNOT W. A. JOHNSON, Ast Horilts E. J. CAIRNS, Nematologist L: M WARE, Head, Dept. of Horticultute o[I Oi ,l CAMt x\ I fo lot otkiot ctrolti tot' f priving x ,tlttalle ill the pt odittiott oft xcritflt' crop~fs. Alxt a l \-etitble crops are ,t ffecteti iil x itiit. degreets fb\ iootkitot andt other 1(if) 5 tods Fit 4O' or th l'r sutietilei 511(tssi\e ws 'ills So til ftt1iigriltits or othetr Research Conducted fIl 1957 ltl t'\fL'cilnclt to cotlpate thet tfects of soil filink tgalits oil N titis atnd coiltrol of rootkttot ItIt ct'rtititt 5 egTetaible crops \\,ias icctillo att the Aoboriit Uix er- sit\ A\griciturital Lxpe'tittictt Stattion. (Sx to ill tihe tafblt aire soil I ttiltig.Iits uliiltiiig titia', fot test croips gt ttxx t. [hei I iritis \\etre hiroadcast aiitalix. A fil Crop xx as ttioxxil tcitl x tlti to checck residual effects of the soil I iiirii gratit applied hefore plantttig it spiring cropif. fT'e I iitttgatits xxcr ti pplitti toi sitltte plot; eatil x cl. Various treatments with soil fumigarnts ore shown obov !. The four rows repruent Vapom treated, Telone, Nemaon, and check. Effect of Fumigants on Rootknot A~t the iiegioiiiitg of tile cxper-iictlt thert \\,xxts at loix ppiiiltttiiii of t ootktt tiitatodes. This is gix cl iii thti~ ihits iiitit' ri tliflogs oi-l roiots of fliliitx tof ftec firist ctrtp .gi'i x i ii the check piot . A reatfiig of it0 iitdicattes li x ixihie ktnots oil riits i io 0)) lietlls stciie kiiottii ig of iroots. fT'e itndtex readtlill for tlke tli i'tk p lot the first xYear xxits fTi. Fiot tite fill]c -iop, fit st-x ear t eadiog \\-ias 4.3 atnd for tue seitIlitl -\(cal it xxas 98. 'Ter efore, root- knotf oinatode populiationi morie tihani doublfdt hx t'iid of the sciittd x ear xx Itil hligiix suisceptif-lie ci -ops xx c groxxi . indcex t calditigs xx c reiatixe cix\ ioxxfu bti spr1inig iilfal curogips an\It af ter soii fiitatioii. ['litre \%-ias a siigiit ill- crease iti rootkoiit i tcot'thd for fali tirop oxr tihtie spring~. cirop xx lo \t'iigoti, Dtt ione, Vapaiii. .uti Dixxfuit W-85 xxic ti t plti itt f1'57 iid foir Neirtaoi ,ttf \'apitii ill i1959. Ili nio cast' \\its the iFFECOT M-i Sil FM IG tANTiS ON YIELD AND 5\i OttKN0t Y~tik -iii tons pe'r acre alit riittkot intdex riatf iings- tilt1 t~(~95T, 19.58 19.59 1)it Sitriog F"all Fall Sprintg itif fifcotit 201.1) fiiiion 5.0S DD1 20.0 I ),ttes 1)1 itt't 4.S4 17T Mt. 19 f10 9A.4 If (5.82 16 10.8011I 9.84 it) 9.62 15 Marti. I I \ilix 2 Itit. 22 Apr. 141 4.'7'.; 68 4.09' 1:3 4.26 12 4.:30 21 5. 94 12 4. tW f13 41.62; 1If Miar. it) A 1)r. 9 19610 Spitail 1 it ,ttt hTls hildctx 77 :..41 i1) 4.92 1:3 4.94 '17 3).i7- 17 5.17 1() 4.96 11 :3.98 Nov. 41 Apr. 12 'I vis ,tiiiiiiitt Iel \tritss itst'ti ii, N57 andtt 19.W8 1 .f pet icr' \\,its iil i) 19.59) tut 19601. ('rotix i of fplaltts aind prodctiontht of sp~rintg stiltsii tlit fir st Croip, xx i t ill- cr'tsetf b\ ifl soii f'litiatlits iixt't. Soitt of, tht' Affcts toul hil~ itrx itsitt'd frotit thte Conitrol of Soil pests other thitti roiot- kinot ni 'iatioit' Yieitds fitorn plots Ittti ii ig soi fiii i i it -its tat gl ftotio 50) to 25'/, higlie thatn ft oit check piots, se ttf l t'. Tht' xi oailest ini (' ease \x-its frIiom Netittagoii. 'T'fe wexrc ino sigiiificatit ill- ieatsill x vitids of tit filli tiop fittxxet'ii tcheck fphots anid tittse I cccix itig sttil fuot- iatits, fIt 1958 the spr ing cio (if \xxits potattoes. 'lt' tCheck plots ipriiduceti a it igh ori litcti-1 ix , iigi x idts is x\'ias prtoduct'd tttttt tciirdet fot thits tirop. Spin tg cirofps, ill 1 959 itfd 1960), xx tie dxxu- beant'tis. Ilt f959 betanis xx c tfittat'd ftrom all sil ftinio its t'xt'tpt \ apitit hetause iof liiitstti xx tatitet cotitlitiotts, Btccoise (If the datima~tge iii 1959 ftrom spi iti ti atititi ts, ftii~iii( ts for the i196)) Y ie Itls of hicatis ill 1 96)) x'ee itnctrt'asetd 4.5 to 50% from use of '['lout' Dlo Itic \ tpttin, andt DD) antt II tii f17Y, ft o use of Netiagi~oti andt f)oiix'itt W-'8.5. Thet inctrease it x itits of thte fall crop) it' Sqifittsft tatngetd ft tit 120) to 1 80% ill 958 attd f t"ot .3101 to 6-3)1% ill 1959. 'iteiti of stqiiasi it tit ftill] of 1958 xxits sIot' ie at lI)xx atd itaxl1 il! de, p~i'ltiailx vhb' ctts' ol tfoxxitx iitit'xx ,Stl-l is inore 'litc hug! lost x itit i ech x eatl foir thet spinutg Criop groilixi after fttitigatiiitt xxeci hiotiuc('t friti lo fits 't'teix tug \ apiti: thtt st'tottt aind tftird i tiht'st x iclds xx ti Nenictontti andit fDox otime \\'-,5 pr'io'de ft'ss x itActs tftatt tt' otheti I Ittitiliits, tht Ilist' as sil fitottg~fiits. INOCULATION and its importance to suc- cessful production of certain leguminous crops is common knowledge among Ala- bama farmers today. But few know that some of the first research in this country with inoculum or "germ fertilizer" was done at the Au- burn Agricultural Experiment Station more than three score years ago. Its re- sults provided the answer to the mystery why certain leguminous plants produce poor yields on soils on which no legume had been recently grown. Legumes used in this early work included vetch, crim- son clover, lupine, lespedeza, alfalfa, Canada field peas, and cowpeas. "The subject of maintaining fertility of the land very closely concerns every tiller of the soil, whether cotton planter, tobacco grower, grain farmer, livestock breeder, or horticulturist." The foregoing paragraph is the in- troduction to Auburn Station Bulletin No. 87, published in the summer of 1897, reporting early research on soil inoculation for leguminous plants. The words are those of the late Prof. J. F. Duggar, who joined the Auburn staff a year earlier and whose later work made it possible to condition the soil for grow- ing certain legumes to supply much needed nitrogen. He is credited with having been one of the first researchers in this country to have experimented with "artificial cultures" for growing clovers and other legumes. In the light of discoveries in Europe, Professor Duggar determined that some Alabama soils had to be inoculated by the necessary germ-life to grow legumes. First with a homemade preparation and then with a patented concentrate from Germany, he launched a long-range cam- paign to get Alabama farmers to inocu- late their fields so soil improving leg- umes could be grown. In Station Bulletin 87, Professor Dug- gar in the main presented results from greenhouse pot experiments in which he compared growth of inoculated and un- inoculated legumes. His yield increases were dramatic. Professor Duggar emphasized the value of inoculation in Bulletin No. 96, published August 1898. Reporting on experiments with crimson clover and hairy vetch, he wrote, "clover, vetch, and similar leguminous plants are able to draw much of their nitrogen from the air when enlargements called tubercules or nodules are found on their roots. They are unable to do this, or to store up fer- tility, when tubercules are absent. This is the second article of a series on Auburn University and its Agri- cultural Experiment Station System- its founding and its contributions down through the years to the prog- ress of Alabama's agriculture. The series is being published in conjunc- tion with Auburn's Centennial Cele- bration.-Editor "In order for tubercules to develop, specific germs of bacteria must come in contact with the young rootlets. In the regions where the clovers, vetch, alfalfa, etc. are extensively grown, these germs become generally distributed in the soil of the entire region. In a number of lo- calities in Alabama, where these legumes are not grown to any great extent, these germs are absent from some soils or present in insufficient numbers." FREE Bulletin or Report of Progress AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION AUBURN UNIVERSITY E. V. Smith, Director Auburn, Alabama Permit No. 1132-8/61-IOM LEGUME INOCULATION- Product of Early Research KENNETH B. ROY, Editor LILLIAN FOSCUE, Graduate Assistant PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 The researcher reported good results from two methods of inoculation: (1) scattering on a field some of the germ- laden soil from a field where the leg- umes have borne tubercules, and (2) use of a prepared material called Nitra- gin, "a concentrated germ fertilizer con- taining myriads of germs which are able to cause the growth of tubercules on the roots of certain leguminous or soil im- proving plants." Large yield increases in field experi- ments resulted from the use of an inoc- ulum, as reported in Bulletin 96. Hairy vetch inoculated with vetch Nitragin produced hay at the rate of 3,270 lb. per acre, as compared with 564 lb. with- out inoculation. Using soil from an old vetch field as inoculum increased yield by 2,308 lb. of hay over an uninoculated companion plot. Crimson clover yield in- crease from inoculation was reported to be 3,296 lb. Long lasting effect of inoculation was also learned. It was reported that "'a field once inoculated, whether naturally or artificially, remains inoculated for years." Other information included the fact that, in general, each genus of leguminous plant has its own specific or adapted germ. Successful growth of legumes in Ala- bama was a major breakthrough that has been invaluable to farmers of the State. Use of these crops as soil improving and forage plants came about as a direct re- sult of the early, basic research. Research on legume production has not stopped. Work has continued through the years on variety testing and devel- opment, time of planting, seedbed prep- aration, fertility requirements, and on other cultural practices. This ongoing re- search continues to provide information that enables farmers to do a better job of legume production and utilization. -~U L V ~CIIULII~ UI LU IW ~VIILIIUULIVIIU