* F p 1 fl4aA.1 'r% r a ) C 4 I, I A' 44, N - -A) DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS I FFIJL1x xl LA\\ss prov iding far anl Agricultuiral Experiment Stationl anti for Forestry research inl each state (the I latch Act of 1887 and the NIcliitire-Stennis Act (of 1964) reqluire state. to matc tb tieral tiollars. XX ss nuid not hav e much agrie cuiltural anti f,,restrs research if states only miatched fetlal tiollars. Thank-0 fnllx states hasve placetd a higher x aluie onl productis it\ than has the federal gnovernmeint. '1lie prodiuctiv its oIf American agrination's future. TmI Dr. Monrris Wh ite, professor inl the Dec partlineniit of Agricul~tural Econionmics and ilural Sociology. A native of Ashland, Alabaima, lay ( ointN, Dr. WXhite joinedt the Auburn facuilty in 1950. Dr. WXhite receivecd a B.S. degree in agriculture fronti AUburn in 1938, an MI.S. front Purdue inl 1947 and the Ph.D). from th at in stituitionn iii 1950. 1Ile wo rked three Nears as a graduate assistant wh ile at "' Purdue. Dr. \\'hit(, wxorkctd ~ three cears as a count\ Supervisor wxith the Farmn Secuirits Adminiistration 19:38-41, spent 49 imonths in the Armsy, anti wxas (ischiargeti as MIajor. Dri. X ifte teaches both unticrgratiuate anid gradiuiate cnurses in agricultural prices, miarketin g, anti )nhc\ , antd co ndiuicts rescarch inf] oliinod its markecti ng andi prices. le has authored numlerous Station publications and professional journal articlecs andi is a imeim ber of sex eral p rofessional and honuorars soc ieties. It is frustrating that a higher funiiting priority is not pliacetd onl agricultuiral research, extension, anti teaching than has been for the past 25 s ears. Fetieral funding for all research recoiimiendetd by President Carter for next scar xxas UN. Funding recoi R. DENNIS ROUSE inendedl for agricultuiral research inl the ! 1 5) A anti State Agriculitural Ex~periinent Stations xxas less thanl oncehalf the ax erage for all fetderal research, not nearN elloigh to offset inflation. The H ouse Agriculture Coiimimittee recomnmended anl increase equal to the asverage for federalix funtietd research. I'hc( full Houllse essentiaiiix suppo)(rtetd the P'residenit's recoininentidationl. Congressman FoleN (D)) XXashington State, Chairman (If Ilouise Ag Commiittee, inlate anl iiiilressis e speech inl reference to this scar's applrop~riationi bill uirging better suipplort for next s ear. I qiuote frlom the (:1)ngre ssio nal RiecoIrd oIf J u l\ :30, 19S0". . . there is one tiisqtieting asp~ect (If the b~ill wxhich lparticuiarl bothers ine. TIhis is xx\hat I conSitder to be the inatdeoquiate funtding of agricuiltural research, extension, aintd teaching proposeti for fiscal Near 1981. -\X c are tdealing here not wxith a current cash-floss typ o~'(f expentdihire xwhich can he cut back in a bo'lt tightening ('car anti compensated inl a latei s ear xxithout lasting timage. WXe are talking about anl iil\istiect-ts lpe exp~eintiture \x ichb ins Ilses a cumuolativ e builtding prcs essential toi thet long-range wxelf are of our food and fiber industry . WXe are talking about the technical lifeblood of our unparalleled U. S. fund sx stein IIIGIILIGIITh Sof Agricothaviral Rtesearchi FALL 1980 VOL. 27, NO 3 A quiarterly report of research puihedit by5 the Aliabamiia Agricultural itxperimcnit Station, Auburn tnix ersity. 11. i)1. \\s 1310 si..............Direr/n, S' I\5\I1: 11 \\ ',o\ .Assocjotc Dill ,tor XII TU. E. (li I......... Assistant J)irctor F. L. \b Go xxx..................Editor B. FE.SI I \ ll(\.. As5 iat( Editor S* 1i: rnG8 511.........Assistant Editor Lditomil .4h isorul Couintcc 1). lFon a n umbe~tr (If ye'ars wxe has e been tdraining the blnood from this sx Ste il] th rouigh a pro ce'ss o~f ho lit-the-line budtig(etin g whiiich has not kept pace \s itli essential colst increases. .leceiitix group~ oft iiiohpendeii scientists looketd at all the a Studties conduicted dumringz the past 20 yecars onl the benefits of public researcih anti concldelIid' that anniutal raite's of iretuIirn o)11 agricu ltuiral researiLI are oIil the lrtlli of 50". "The rate of g rowxth inl agricul tu~iral pro ductivitys in the U.n iteti States btegan an alarmiing decline during the decade of the 19 7 0 's. XXith inflation an ox errioling coiicern, we m'iiust rcs erse this trendl inl the 1980t's. XX caii Sustain lrodtuctix its grossth ill agiicuiltiire oihx if (ourresearch, c extension, antehachiiig jlrlgraiiis continiue toI feed ness scientists and ill,%\ kiioledctge intol thet s\ steii. "Mir. Chairiiaii, I realiz'e wxe iiitist imake harti choice's anti set hartd priori tieos in tiiis m iost tdif ficul t of e'conomi iic tiieus fo r ouir Nation. I do iiot plani tol offer aim\ aiiondiients to this bill. I losseetr, I ami convincedl that our b~asic research, extension, and teaiching prolgramis miust receix e higher priority than in recent sears. "XX cannot allows a coasting in p)rograiiis that increase our 1)roduc e tix its aiit outr aibilitN to s~lipl foIod for our I elloss citizenis aiit a iilngrs x oriti. "I xx lulrge' iN clleagues onl the Appropriations Commnittees for ne'xt ea',r tol gis e even more careful attentiton to this iiatter, and spci Ii call I to p lacing hiigher 11riorits oIil this imipi)oitantI area. "Aii I xwould urge all of my colleague's in the I itOtise toI joinl in this S 1,\\i,1 C.I AO;. fl)l) .j~i.Assistant ProFii fe sso r of A to n/tn ral Fnuginccuiui, 0, mI") E \x .Xssocjott' Prfessor of AXgroloonly (111d( Sils:\l H. II 51v I MI X 1 .iAssm ltc Pl 01 II/ of,iltiio/ C I, ( oIIlilics an1d Ruroal Sociolo44!1; and E. L. Nh GRAsS. Iniormation tonitainetd herein is ax ailabic Coor "l 111 ex to aill \\ itiioit rlgald ti IllC o r natinal 1 ~i effort. Congr'ssinan Foles has correctly statetd the situation. ON TH-E COVER: Marketing is im~portanit to soybiean p~rofits, see stary plage 3. Differences in Cash Prices and Futures Quotations for Soybeans 25 .6 MORRIS WHITE and EDDIE EASTERLING Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology A LABAMA SOYBEAN GROWERS harvested 56.2 million bushels of soybeans from 2,250,000 acres in 1979. This was almost four times the acreage of soybeans harvested in 1970, and it was 54% of the total acres of all crops harvested in the State in 1979. In 1970, soybeans were grown on only 22% of the harvested crop acreage. Today, the market for soybeans and soybean products is dynamic. Growers are operating under conditions of high uncertainty regarding markets and prices, and the financial risks to growers and buyers alike are great. Such conditions hatve increased forward contracting ("booking") and the use of futures markets in an effort to achieve higher returns for growers and reduce financial losses. For several reasons, a larger number of Alabama growers have chosen to book with local buyers instead of using the futures market. Even though booking may be the right choice for individual growers, knowing how the soybean futures market functions and being aware of current activity in that market could be beneficial. The reason for this is that a price offered by contract buyers is different, but directly related to a price quotation in the futures market. The cash or booking price offered by a buyer in Alabama will generally be less than the quotation in the futures market, except in extreme supply situations. The amount by which an offered price differs from a futures quotation should represent a buyer's cost of operation plus a normal business profit. "Basis" is the term used in referring to the difference between a local cash price and a price quotation in the futures market. Basis is the single most important factor to those who hedge regularly and to farmers who use futures to "set" a price. Basis fluctuations are small compared to fluctuations in cash and futures prices, see chart. Factors that affect basis, such as handling and transportation costs, do not change as quickly as cash prices for beans. An illustration of why basis doesn't fluctuate with market prices is that the facilities and hours of labor required for handling a given volume of soybeans are the same regardless of whether the price of beans is $5 or $10 per bushel. The basis figures presented here are the averages of daily differences which oc- Price $/bu. 9 8 7 6 . ,13 .22 Futuresprice Basis Market price .14 .16 guz4 Si, 15 .25 27 r .20 Z=.18 .25.17 o C= .19 .15 .15a IO 30 5 4 Price, 76 77 78 79 Av. January $/bu. 76 77 78 79 Av. February 76 77 78 79 March Av. 76 77 78 79 Av. April 76 77 78 79 May Av. 76 777879 Av. June 8 .25 .21 .25 . .22 4 76 77 78 79 Av. July 76 77 78 79 Av. August 75 76 77 78 Av. September 75 76 77 78 Av. October 75 76 77 78 Av. November 75 76 77 78 Av December curred between futires quotations and cash prices at 21 market locations in Alabama from September 1975 through August 1979. Variations in basis among market areas in Alabama were not significantly different except in Mobile where prices and fluctuations in prices are influenced significantly by export demand for beans, which is often highly variable. The soybean marketing year extends from September of one year through August of the following year. Basis was greatest during the harvest season and smallest in January, February, and March. The most and widest fluctuations in basis occurred in August and September during the transition from an old to a new marketing year. Since the factors that determine basis are not major price determining factors, there was no established pattern of relationship between changes in basis and changes in soybean prices. For example, in March cash and futures prices rose from just under $5 per bushel in 1976 to approximately $8 per bushel in 1977, while basis changed from 15˘ to 14˘ per bushel. Alabama soybean buyers base a large part of their transactions on the November futures quotation when they book beans for future delivery. November is the futures trading month closest to the end of a normal soybean harvest season. When they prepare price offers to soybean growers, buyers subtract from the November quotation an amount that is equal to what they estimate the basis to be. If the price is satisfactory and the book- ing transaction with the grower is completed, the buyer immediately places an order with a broker to sell contracts in the futures market that will balance that which was purchased from growers. Having done this, the buyer now has only the financial risk that results from relative changes in basis. As an illustration, consider a farming situation in June, in which a farmer has a good stand of beans on 600 acres. He has been producing an average of approximately 23 bu. per acre, and estimates that he will harvest between 13 and 14 thousand bushels in the fall. From records, he determines that he would be willing to sell beans at $7 per bushel. He knows that for the last 3 years the prices to growers in his area at harvest time have been about 30˘ per bushel lower than the November futures quotation. He learns through a market report that the November futures quotation is $7.45 per bushel, and a buyer is offering to book beans at $7.05. This is a 10 greater negative basis than the average for the past 3 or 4 years. However, he realizes that increases in transportation and general business operating costs could result in a larger negative basis. What this farmer knows about basis and the futures market enables him to know that the buyer's offer of $7.05 is a reasonable offer under existing conditions. He can now confidently make a decision to accept the offer on 10,000 bu., or to continue carrying the risk of financial loss from a price drop, while waiting for a price increase. Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station Solar Water He Sun's heat posses through gloss or plastic coner plate Heat is absorbied by bl c kened copper plate ond conducted to copper tubes running over, under or through the plate Heat is conducted from tubes io fluid flaming .ithin them earl,, to tell). These wee lairix high rates of satisfaction; howvxer, there N\ere sex eral consumiers wxho seemned to be haxving trouble with their solar units. 'I'lle rep~orted lnrolblems fell jinto three tl ies: (1) leaks in the sy stemi, (2) seller/installer hankriiptex and (3) an inadequate siilix)1 of hot xxater. The third p)rohlei xx0111( reqluire on-site studN to locate the exact lprobleni (e.g., collector p)late uindersize or wxrong collector plate orientation), xwhile the first txN o could hav e been axvoidecd bN endca tions lis ted fol lossin g the reel tii helow: How to Select a Solar Water Heater 1. Ask y our installation contractor hows the solar heating xx stein wxill interface wxithi sour coinseintional ss stcni xwhich remnains to he used as hackup). 2. Ask the solar contractor for a x\ ritteli cquotationi for the total installed cost of the sy steinl. 3. The ss stemn's pertorinance shodd have been calculated aitc preferahix testedl b\ an indepeiicent. recogizecd lab oratot r, (e.g ., Alabai a Solar E iiergs Center). 4. W\ithi famnils size, hot xwa tecr eonsuiiition, and use patterns in ittild. ohbtain i(in wxritin g) an) e stinmate of the sx steiis perforiiiance at s our site. 5. Select a xx stein xxith xxell-itsiilated pipes (B4I or hetter) aind tank (1111 or better). 6. Select a xx stein xxith adlequtate p~rotection against f reezing (xx\here appjlicable). hose p)roper 7. Select a xxstein xx operation can be itionitoreh. 8. Require the conitractor to pr-essure test the xxstei for leaks. Hoxx to Choose a Solar Contractor 1. Coinstilt sexveral solar hefo re ii aking a sel ectioin. contractors Poump circulates the hot fluid from solar collectors througth piping to insulated hot water tank. Solar control turns the pumpon and off automotically depending on the amount of heat generofed by the collector, Coil transfers solar heat from the frlidl to water in the tank from street enters here WILLIAM L BOLES, Department of Home Economics Research xxais tisech ittst frciqutict as a tranisfer itiEIEB installed iii ti \it 55 Ai xlWII nechiiiin iii the collectors. one's Itonie has liectilci, although not The tabile lists the reastons gixven for piirace, inoirci reclogn izable tltain it coiti tl cihasiing thle units. used to be. I ltixx c er, ~Iotentiatl I)rotIleiis still exist fttr the bt\ er ttf ine of these svs teiiis, itit the least oif xxhieh is cttisiiter Rca titi. fir purtt ingi i a sitlti wter tfc itt lc confidetice. For this reason, a siirxe \\xxxas 51 i'itditip, order ttf lttptir~ittd atnd ott ot concdicttd tif 530 httiitettx tiers thrtoighouit Alabaia tto assess the lexvels of consuiter worc rv~sStore satisfaction xxvith their solar wxater heaters. lthi resjIotdeitts xxere asked a xarietx of qules tionts abou t their decision- ii akiutg NLitr sa itps .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. . . .. 7 Cant ,sits ill ness tcechtitl(L ip............... 21) I)rt tess iit) litireltas iitg thec uitts, their ittc c inl solar ltlerpx............2.0t exl)erieitce xwith installatuion cif thle uit,,s G;aun (e T, 'ix mlixtlls............................2.6 the I)erfttrittatice tif tlteir xxstemns, and their ovxerallI Icx cls of satisfaction xxitht salcis claiiiis aind iitoncx sax iitgx. Th lull txx oi reasonis cited bx the stolar le iTe 50)ltoiitco\tixeirs xx lto 1iirticiiteid itt xx ater heater uixers fo r puirchtasiing thteir tltc c\xall ctti on all ix\ ecliii t raci ti onal .sotplec xx steis xxere (1) exjiectcl Ititlittarx fai iti d Ietachedl lttiiit aindi the atvera ge c savxipgs Mid~ (2) cixeted~ iciergx sax ilips. agci ttf the xx steitt iefitrted on xxias 27 lnteiext iiigl tltc fedeiral einergy titx credhit , inothls (ltog enoutgh to shake doss it aits (40'V ttf the Ijiircltse cist) p)laysed a siiiall I)rilel(i its andc rei I aii ii trise ftir seixeral role iii the decisioni to box the iiitt 'I'lie, sceasonis). 'lxxentx otf thte houiseldlcs in 5(0 miiorits (86.7', ) Of thel solausfiers iaid cash the ci5a luiatiIon installecic thciir on its tI t iii fttr thelir xx steinls, \\ Iich ttil thle Ii tpe, a\ selxves (8 ott these xxcrei builders anid cttit cost S5 .3)3Ithe eftcaealst itijitrttd ut coitt 5 tracttors installing the units on their oxwn $200( xxhule sex ciril ifthe t cioetntractttrs homnes), xxile the rittaiiig .3(1faitilies installed uniits cttstintg $5 (000(or littre). had tlte uniits installeid ftr themn Sce itx Besiiiixes to thte "satisf action"' tquestionms Iicircenit t iI lf t oi il)c hach their tiitits iut stalled iut less than 2 xxeeks and 62 ofi thec gixe rieasoni- for httth encoiragcmiient atncd conlcern.i Forts otut itf 4S houisehoilds untits xxc (iniistalled in less than I xx(ick. Electi icits xxais the ittlst tottitton aiixiliairN th isiolar xx xteinis ier re si odecc tltat eir fulel soturcc for heating \x ater and the iitist fitriuted its they xxere led to heliexve (2 cliitiiiii sizc (if the xxater hceater tantk xxits faittilies did nit attisxs er), and :37 ttut otf 4:3 SO gal. (4(1 gal. xxa~s the sittallest ainc :3(0( hiousehoilds beliese cihlesxxstemn xx is xxtrth tltc tinie atitc inonex spemit (7 said it xxais tooi gal. xxais the largeist). Either xxater or ttil A 2I. 1 eteriitine the contractor's quialif icatioins and1(exi.),erience. :3. Request references fromt the c otttra ctort check th ciii aniid 4. Require xxrittent xxarranties, hothi on the xxstei and] on the installation \soik. 53. Require atn ow5ner's itainual. The f ollowsing eon tacts ii ax also he uisedl in ev al1ua tin g a solar sx stei The Alabai a Solar Energy Center, IHuntsxville, 800572-7226; The Alabaiita Dl)artinent of FEoergx , Iontgomner\ , 8:32-5101, Southernt Solar Energy Center, Atlanta, (;et ii ia, 4(04-458-8765; Thei Alabaia Atttrites CGemratl's Office of ('oitstiter Protectiont \ oittg oictrx , 801 :392-5658; Fuiel Sit]ib 80(0 :392-80198; aitc the Alahaina C to 9 tentix e Extentsion Serv ice, AXuburn, 826-4970. Statiou Aubturnt F iursitti Agricultural EIts pcieit ( IVlnimum Tillage Controlled Traffic System for DoubleCropping of Cotton and Crimson Clover Department of Agrcl ra E, ,. ior-,ng ~, and ilf l\( HF 5l(. ( cos' If O the loss of soil by erosion are major topics of concern for farmers. But, many farmers are seeing tillage reduction as the best way to reduce fuel usage, while at the same time conserving soil and water. T The concept of double-cropping cotton with reseeding crimson clover under var- lanes for xwheel traffic. Tractor and spray er wheels were extended to 120 in. on center to operate in the center of the skipped rosws. This reduced compaction in the root zone caused by wheel traffic, thereby eliminating the need for primary tillage each year. The first year, inadequate stands of cotton wvere established in the clover because the mulch prevented good soil to seed contact. This swas solved by mounting a fluted coulter in front of the planter to cut through the mulch, followed by a disc furrower attachment on the seed opener that pushed away the mulch from a 6-in. wide Photos from top to bottom include: Crimson clover blooming in early April; planting cotton around May 15, in clover residue; a stand of cotton 2 weeks after planting; cotton 6 weeks after planting. -IA ious tillage treatments has been studied during the past 4 years at the Auburn Uni- versity Agricultural Experiment Station. The objectives of this study were to develop a cropping system for doublecropping cotton with crimson clover and to evaluate machinery requirements for the system. Field plots for the study were located on a Norfolk sandy loam soil at the Agricultural Engineering Research Unit at Marvyn. The six treatments consisted of clover and no clover plots with three levels of tillage on each. The plots were established in a randomized design and replicated four times. Prior to seeding crimson clover, the entire plot area was plowed and chiseled to a uniform depth below any existing hard pan. Crimson clover was seeded in the fall of 1975 and reseeded it- At planting, 250 lb. per acre of 8-24-24 self each year thereafter. fertilizer was banded beside the rosw on all Each year in the spring, after the clover seed were mature (about May 15), cotton was planted in a 2 and 1 skip-row pattern with the skips serving as permanent traffic YIELD OF SEE) CO I O() PER PLA NTED) A:iE FROM V \ ()t 5 Ti I\ 11 I ,Ts.A.CI31I( I (I AL I strip where the seed were planted. These two modifications made possible good control of seed depth and good soil to seed contact. V '. lI 'm ,mii,\ . H.ls i7i5i I'1 I, plots. Theino-clover plots were sidedressed with 75 lb. of nitrogen per acre. The clover plots were not sidedressed. All plots were mechanically and chemnicalls cultivated as needed. The plots were harvested with a one-rosw cotton picker mounted on the tractor with 120-in. wheel spacing. V. . \Lkos, At\, UiAN 1975-1979 Se( ed cotton per p lanted acre (4-r. .) l.,. 2,212 2,144 2,070 This Ininimumn tillage control traffic systemn for double-cropping cotton and crimclover has the possibilities of producing a soil cover to reduce soil erosion and promnote water infiltration, producing supplemental nitrogen for the cotton, increasing soil organic matter, and conserving energy by reducing tillage requireillents. Cotton can be grown with no primary tillage in crimson clover residue at a miniral yield reduction and a maximal savings of energy and expense inherent in convential cotton production systems. Treatment son irr 80 in. rotary till No clover, 75 lb. N sidedressed .......... (lover, no N sidedressed.. 16 in. strip rotary till No clover, 75 11b). N sidedresed .......... Clo er, no N sidedressed No till No clover, 75 lb. N sidedressed .......... Clover, no N sidedressed.. .g 1W 2.050 1,992 ,1 Auburn U'niversity Agricultural Experiment Station ,iiplttiLxeti ss ith illsectieidle iiplic1jatiitn. the cricket 1lrtibleli is soi ex Cre lin sonic( N s that cointrol is 1nior anid eni itic clitx er cii standis rcestilt. Ft xi ( I ' 26, 1979),I Si F It ,] Sl i Ii I ltii \\ ..'. i X5 I lars (-,t I adlino tott ir RedI cltt er dlitts Ho\ J',t. tt,ioati cast o\ Jf . t Broad .ctst Pc 1. :32 29 50 5 Pit. .19 Autil 28 .......... 0o \hlas 2:3 .. .. .. 1 jtiti 19.-.. .... 4 . .4, 3S 25 0) 26 S2 5i I. 5 1~' * 4~ ~4> S A 2... .2 .~ 4 * ' ~4 '5 *2 <.9 4 5 Easy Establishment of Ladino and Red Clover in Tall Fescue Sod C S HOVEAND VVW B ESERan, V H i l'ate xs illtel seedjiiigs lix eenl (tiite suiccessfuil as ci ickets are not a 1Iittblejii at that tini ot x\ear, table 2. Broadcast seeding of eithier Iled ot laittnot closer along, sxitli sprax ing4 araiqnat in dtrip)s resulted it] good ciox cr estalllishiiient. Ried clover gilterall x pri iided iii)) fitragye th an ladino (lox Ci, Hio\x planting, \x as no bletter than broadcast pl1aiiting xxith red (Itix er aind1 \x\as less effectixve xwithi ladinio cloxver, 1 tossihlx becaulse steed could( iaxt een li)ialted tuoo (he 1 ). (eiiralx, ladiiio elIx, er has added 1,.500 to :3,(X)) ). It acre tlrx fo ra ge tot the toital Ilas re x i eld, xxhue tu redl clttx ir iiax add 20O)() tti 40()()1lb. 'F itw i1 Plim Si \(: tt ,( )\li ttt\ F I it t([ R LAAAND andM WALISON. DeptofArnmad ALVERT 1Terrse a le usat i AlIi( 1) l 1 Fis i) Stl N ix X)\( n jI(] s1 Sn ix0t IN \1 \ ' 3 I Ilirx ist iI i.li ,I()\ r Red( clts er (dates P( . Aprtil 25S........1-1 Xlix 2:3..........IS juiii 19 ......... 1:3 Ir P(/ Pt lt . 29 _40 IT 21 IroatdB~~ Pif. :A 29 A lI)N1'(., \j1 iill p~astutre soi ba~rreled adx intage. It (1) iiiprix ts the iiitritixx altie tof tlte fotrage, and (2) supl) e p)lies ititroigen tol the graiss, (esctie iatioll ) clttxer tio tall offtlters a do ub le- Iliftirtuoiatelx . sonlie liietititds renit ofi cit h~e exitensixe andittt getting a go od cloitser stand is riot certain. Butit these ltritlleniis ctili be ax iitetI Rlento\ atitil x\ its bioth suc.cessfu ainit eci ni ni cal ili tl Autburin 1. ei iix sitx A grictulttural Fxperiineiit Statioin research tit the Tenniessee XValle\ Substaitionii. IParaqutat wxas sprax ed in 5- to 6-in. strills, 12 in. .t()1rt. folloxxedi h\ lbriiadlest seeding oilthe groutind surif ace iof Re gal la tlino or iedland redl clx Cr. The resuiltin~g cltix er Cs talbli shi0 i t wxas eqi ual to o r greateCr than Ilanting in) rowvs wxith a Pasture Pleaser®1 . XXith fall seedinog, red clover generally had bletter establishiiieit than latlino cblxver. \\ ith autunin seeding, strip~ed field crickets often destro\ ebIo er seedlings; therefore, lDiazinoii inseticidle hist he 2.1 26) 26 Ex~istinig ethillllietit xwas used in the tests, iin xwhich Paraquat xwais al1ied it ntarrotw strips 'l'iis herbicide tr('atnitent retduced gratss ciilltitionl and 1eriiiittetl establi slin en of cli A r seelinogs. Findintgs o f it re cen t tests. Iitt in 1)oth atiitn aindt s~ting. illustrate the restilts otfsexveral Seairs iot xttid\x at the Stibstatioin, tables I aiiit 2. Paraqitat" contact hierhicide p~rodticed b)\ C:hevron Chemnical Co. Pasture Pleaserc - sod-seeder mnaioifacttired by5 the Tye M\anutactuiring Co. dltceti hx Ciba (;Cigx Corporation. Slid-seeding cloixer intot tatll tesetie sod( call i~a pix ailitst tiie (lix itenlds, alth i igh there is alxxax S the pitssihilitx iof failure if diroutght iccuirs.I litxsex Cr, ap~jlx inig Paraquitt at !4' to I' lb. p~er acre xwith atsiiiiple hoitl spraN er andI hroadcast seeding eli ixer (ladilit at 3 l1). andI redi at 6 lb. ) is cheap). Late xwiniter seding is inttre d~epeitdable thaii autioiin seeding; howsever, if crickets are not ii probleiiiitti in seeting is as ittit or better than late seeding. Sitd-seetiitg xxitli clovxers offers a treex~l~eni\,s el iliiprlxe tall fesctie pIistiires totiinI)rtoxe aiiial prttlictix its . ('atitleownei can cash in otn this oI)I Porttiinitv by tisiiig the sintl1e and ecoiitical mnethlodsf" that priix C suiccessful in Auhurn research. Auburn ( 'niversity Agricuiltural ExIperimnt Station ::-'':: '-:t::: -l : ':::::s ~' ev::::: :' :o R. T. GUDAUSKAS, Department of Botany, Plant Pathology, and Microbiology E. L. CARDEN, N. R McDANIEL, and F. B. SELMAN, Gulf Coast Substation J. A. LITTLE and W J. WATSON, Lower Coastal Plain Substation Wheat heads showing increasing severity of glume blotch, from left (healthy) to right. SEPTORIA GLUME BLOTCH is one of the most widespread and damaging diseases of wheat in Alabama and possibly the Southeast. The disease is caused by the fungus Septoria nodorum that attacks the leaves, leaf sheaths, upper stem, and head of the wheat plant. Glume blotch can cause heavy losses by reducing seed set, size, and weight. On leaves, symptoms of glume blotch begin as small, dark spots that later enlarge to boat-shaped lesions that are tan to brown or black in color and measure / in. or more in length. Tiny, round black structures may be seen in the lesions. These are the spore-producing bodies, or pyenidia, of the fungus. Glume blotch appears on wheat heads as a gray to brown discoloration of the glumes or outer coverings of the kernels. Pycnidia are formed in abundance on the diseased glumes. The fungus survives between crops on seed and in wheat debris in the soil. Spore production, spread, and infection are favored by warm, wet weather. Generally, such conditions occur in the spring months in most parts of the State, however, weather conditions conducive for glume blotch can also develop in the fall and winter. Control of glume blotch and significant yield increases have been obtained in Alabama and other states with aerial applications of mancozeb (Dithane M-45® or Manzate 200@), the only fungicide presently labeled for glume blotch control on wheat. The fungicide is applied at the rate of 2 lb. per acre in one to three applications beginning at boot or pre-boot stages. Over the past few years, several fungicides and fungicide combinations have been tested at the Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station for effectiveness in controlling glume blotch. All test materials were applied to plots of Arthur 71 and Coker 68-15 wheat using hand sprayers; treatments were usually replicated five times. Results from some tests conducted in 1979 are summarized in table 1. First applications of some chemicals were made when the wheat was in the boot-stage. Although glume blotch incidence generally was not high, disease control and yield increases were obtained with most of the fungicides. In 1980, additional chemicals were tested with some initial applications being made before the flag leaf had emerged. Glume blotch incidence generally was high in all tests. Yield analyses have not been completed; however, as shown in table 2, excellent control of glume blotch and other diseases was achieved with several treatments. These results, and those obtained earlier, have identified several fungicides and combinations that show good potential for control of glume blotch. Additional research on rates and times of application is needed to determine their practical effectiveness. Use of resistant varieties is an effective control for some diseases of wheat and other small grains. However, most of the wheat varieties commonly grown in Alabama are susceptible to glume blotch. Ratings for glume blotch and other diseases on entries in small grain variety tests are included in the Small Grain Variety Report published annually by the Department of Agronomy and Soils. Along with agronomic characteristics, disease susceptibility should be taken into account when selecting a variety. TABLE 1. GLUME BLOTCH SEVERITY AND YIELDS' IN COKER 68-15 WHEAT TREATED WITH FUNGICIDES - --- Fungicide (rate/a.) -- Applications2 Clume blotch 3 1.5 1.2 1.4 1.0 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.8 1.4 2.6 Yield 4 34.0 33.0 32.0 35.5 30.6 31.1 30.3 32.5 31.0 27.5 Benomyl 50 WP + mancozeb 80 WP (0.25 lb. + 1.5 lb.) .................... Benomyl 50 WP + mancozeb 80 WP (0.25 lb. + 2.0 lb.).................. Benomyl 50 WP + mancozeb 80 WP (0.5 lb. + 1.5 lb.) ...................... Benomyl 50 WP + mancozeb 80 WP (0.5 lb. + 2.0 lb.)...................... Chlorothalonil 500 F (1.5 pt.).............. Chlorothalonil 500 F (2.0 pt.).............. Chlorothalonil 500 F (3.0 pt.) ............... Chlorothalonil 500 F (4.0 pt.) ............... Mancozeb 80 WP (2.0 lb.) ................. Check .................................... 'Data are averages from two locations. 2 Three applications: 1st at late boot, 2nd at initial head emergence, 3rd at full head. Two applications: 1st at initial head emergence, 2nd at full head. One application: late boot. 30-5 scale; 0 = no disease, 5 = severely diseased. 4 Bushels/acre. TABLE 2. DISEASE SEVERITY' IN Two WHEAT VARIETIES TREATED WITH FUNGICIDES Fungicide (rate/a.) Benomyl 50 WP + triadimefon 50 WP (0.25 lb. + 0.25 lb.) ............ Benomyl 50 WP + CGA-64250 3.6E-A (0.25 lb. + 0.25 pt.) ............ Benomyl 50 WP + DPX 7331 3.8F (0.5lb.+ 2.6 pt.) .............. CGA-64250 3.6E-A (0.5 pt.) ...... Chlorothalonil 500F (2 pt.) ....... Mancozeb 80 WP (2 lb.) ......... Maneb 4F (2.4 pt.) .............. Check.......................... Applications2 Coker 68-153 Glume Powdery blotch mildew 4.3 1.0 2.6 1.1 3.0 2.7 3.7 4.7 1.0 .2 2.6 .8 3.4 3.2 3.6 4.5 Arthur 71' Glume Leaf blotch rust 2.0 1.5 2.1 1.0 2.3 2.1 2.6 2.9 0 1.0 4.1 .2 4.3 4.6 4.6 4.5 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 - 'Data are averages from two locations, 2Three applications: 1st at jointing stage, 2nd at flag leaf expansion, 3rd at full head. Two applications: 1st at flag leaf expansion, 2nd at full head. 30-5 scale; 0 = no disease, 5 -= severely diseased. Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station D [LAI) I)()Ii.\tNY and its effect on fruit production are DELAYED DORMANCY IN PECANS research on onset, intensity, and dissipation of rest established problem of delayed dormancy of Stuart trees generally recognized. Now there is solid evidence to indicate that Stuart pecan trees also inay be subject to delays in spring bud break wx hen trees develop high rest intensity and do not get adequate hours of chilling temperatures to break the rest. The dollars and cents result is reduced nut plroduction. Conditions were right for delayed dormiane\ of Stuart trees in 1980, and the result verified the Auburn ni versity Agricultural Experiment Station findings that had earlier identified the problem. A substantial percentage of flowers and flower clusters dropped off Stuart trees prior to and during the pollination period. Since 1980 was an "on year" in terms of crop load, this flower shedding resulted in sizable yield reductions. Existence of Rest Established The Auburn research established the existence and intensit\ of rest in )eecan buds, a growth-inhibiting condition that develops internally in buds. This rest condition can be quantitatively dissipated in intensity by exposure of buds to periods of chilling tenmperatures. The Aiuburn findings reveal that the Stuart variety, which accounts for the largest proportion of trees planted in Alabama, can develop a much higher intensity than any other variety evaluated. This is shown by the graph cornparing three standard varieties. In the study , terminal current season shoots were collected from mrature trees at various times (hiring late summer through late winter. Shoots were defoliated and then subjected to chilling temperatures of 34'F. When shoots had received specific accumulated cold hours, they were transferred to a growth chamber that was maintained at 80 0 F. The number of days until green tissue developed from a bud was recorded, which reflected the degree of rest intensity present in the bud. Mild Fall, Winter Affect Rest Most pecan varieties apparently develop only a low level of rest in areas having mild falls and winters, giving them the appearance of having little or no chilling requirements. However, these same varieties grown in areas having chilling temnleratures in the fall, when green leaves and fruits are still present, would develop a much higher level of rest intensity. In such an environment, cold temperature dissipation of rest would have to occur before trees commence satisfactory groxx th in the spring. Insufficient chilling hours to break their intensity of rest would result in development of delayed dormancy siilptoiiis, including flower abortion. The magnitude of delayed dorimancy symptomns would depend on the intensity of rest remaining in the bud when growth commences in the spring. In repeated Alabama observations, defoliation of Stuart trees prior to Inid-Septemiber has caused bud break and renewed growth. l)efoliation may occur after this time without subsequent bud break. This appears to be the result of sufficient intensity of rest developing in buds by inidSeptember to prevent bud break. Delayed Dormancy in South Alabama Bud break of Stuart trees in south Alabamla occurs 1 to 2 xweeks later than in central Alabama. This difference reflects a degree of delayed dorimancy occurring in south Alabamna, and indicates a greater dissipation of rest taking place in central Alabama. In 1980, yield of some Stuart trees was reduced as much as 30 below potential crop prospects because of delayed dormiancy. This was true not only throughout Alabama, but in other Southeastern States as wxell. H J AMLING and K A AMLING* Dept of Horticulture Days to bud break Stuart 30 Mahan Desirable / N Number of hours held at 34'F *Former Research Associate. Auburn LUniversity Agricultural Experiment Station \ NIF] I) (A115 PFI it is ililit.T heedild iiiru lncelati tics A 1)io (ItctioI, of sox ibearl ediscs iess i17 Alan ( Orittrix tni eait t\ tie Of pest h aN e beeii de\ elop eci b~ Nre seal c iers xxoi king in tieir ixx it re p ectix c areas o)f e"xpertise. For ilgaitist eacht itixect pest aiid plaint p~atholotgists hitx e dev eloped futigides hIt the Nariolix Ittngii diseases of so\ ibeans. Y~ears of slicit xx oik at the \ttitri ('nixerxttx AgritiltraI L'speriiint Stat i ii atnid at other- sta te \ lern Ient statins h ax e resuilted int a ,set iii ree tit illiei d (I I i a teriitti art] p raet ices for ciitroli. TIhese rec~tinttetdattions ilo \ ciuse oit a eitial or plesticide for each ,j)(ititC IWAs that loax oceTr1 on) tihe crop dutriing the season. Mosi xtc letticili pestitcid es are not entirel x selee ti e for it gixven x pest species, bitt it\ e \ arx ing degrees of actix it\ against a lrietx tif hNix tg OirganliSotS The Aubihurn teami ilx\ nix, i iin SMx 1 eit p est cotl r iexearcih reaxionted that at ciiem ical used toiColl trol Oine tx jie tof pext or pest coiitplex, for exaini)Ie a fungiciie, itl.i~it also ilaxe ant illpact otl other pesxtx - ixects. xxeedx, or itetttatiidex. \Vartous field andi iahoratorx textx, at Aitbirit andi atounittu tilt cotitrx itx e suipporteti this ideat Non-target Effects Studied (,oitg Onei xtep futrtiher, tile Authurnt research xx deixgniecd to ix leatit ifpetitcidles t otttiiix usedi o\ txil illtght actiaiix lit o\ itit pr itetlit t~altitst ilt) titl get pestsitx xxeliatittose fo~r xxlitti tliex xxcrc, betng applied. i )riuLg the past :3 xyearx, fielti plot texts iitx e beenl estalishiedi at xex crai lolcattixn oixer the State tio tietet ittitc fiiil t If funtgicicdex, netiaticiciex. lierhi- titus'an insectttticidex I 1aCit grtitj ofi pextx. Beigi xtet id p ext ictidex itx e b)eert li ec xiii gi atnd ill ti pssibite It cnijitpiixs accordii tto Atibur tolil etlteidatioils anti statilitid fat ittitgi pttactitex. Inl tihese tests. tile tiettiaticide xxas alpplitdtitax a pi epliatt treatitient, the ihtribicidit xxax aipliedi at jiiatitiig tttti. fiitgliciciex xxere itsed at earix iptot et mnid again 2 xxeekx iatei ,atit insxectictides xxire appiedi xxiitll etolitit tiittxituitlx ftill)\x instct piest de\x lljeti. iBx xxiuktitgi cootpitatix cix (in tilt xaittti oiject. at pathiiiigixt, litlltologixt, en1toiiitiiigixt intl xxccci sciiiitixt ihai e heiei able to itcctttateIx iiiitnititr populititonxsiof eaichi pext grIottp. Fiurther, ibx ltsilg plitt treateti xxiti orix 1W jWeStiCt( Or allx c-Otttilatiiti ()t txx o, tihree, ilr tour clxxs. ii plexticitdex (tiloIgiciciex illxi ctiiciies he iricttidex, an tit iaitti ittes), it ihas beent posslxxiie to tittet tuttle (It xtsngle effetx ol all piest groupsl anti (2) anx jiitsi He acicitix (, xx itergixtic. or adx erxe effectx i these pioipuhittioxs MORE CONTROLLESS PESTICIDE JAMES D HARPER Departmen crf Zoalagy-Entomology PAU A BACKMAN ace R BODRIGUEZ-KABANA Departmrent of Botary Plart Pathoogy arc Microbielogy JOHN C WILLIAMS Department at BesearcIh Data Aralysi ROBERT Hn WALKER Department of Agrornomy arc Soil titat ittax tixtit duirintg a growxxing xeasont. Multiple Pest Activity Found 13151 tts t ciate x i tllIls tiate that certain IpexsitidtesxCatn iindieei htax c ittlltiplt group aetix itx . For e\littjle, tile ietiattiide piext sseilacurti applliedt jreplailt xx it tifon significatii tot reduce poll ation oix tin three-ii tn ered aif'aifa hopper anti totai ileafif iiiopper pitputlatiioxs fitr ntearly 2 itiionths. Siriflarx, the fungi- I \(I it t I' I i' t xl xs lif 1I 'xlii Itv) I\"[, I Pl It s' \\t) Ntl Irso 'xi o \ I ll I' 'I Itt 1 [,)11\\I li I I k lit( ( Ixx sll F )\\[ w F tI ([ I 11) I' \tI \s r t19 ) illst Iruitttio s its pciti. of Yeldi Itt]ti liclit cre 19719 cities I )iter *anid Bettiatc~ had definite inxeeti'itiai aetixvity agaiost sex erai foliage-feecirig insxect iarxvae ax xxeii ax againxt tiltl nito I d ce poula iitillns, see table. 1. xe oif the in secticidhe ctiriltrx I proidedi exceilent contrioi of sexverai tilajor insect ipests iii I xcar'x text, bitt aiso appearedi tot xtiultte popuIlationsi iof iln il 11)1rta tnt at pa th ogeitc netinlit ode. No aetix t it f h erbiicides ol ilrgaltixll, Oxtther than xxeedls hax been noctedi to date. It ci i ot xiieti that fitinilgx are, ireiiiiiarx anti represent at ix at ittx iii Iicii atiid pest ciinditiini that changedi frotin text x ear tio text xeat. Tlhts, at least aotiier x ear of testiog is neededi befiire tdifinite conciluiinis call he ittate frit these xtudcies. Fri li resutlts to datte hiixx ex cr, it is cleat tiiat certain) pexticidlex tail cut 111111e thttit the xiitgie jiib for xxhiich thex tire intendcedi. iiiig, rates, ipesticidit xelectioin, anittanx other factiirs xxiii the tiotal icitt friiit a tx eli ipplicattiton. )iice tile tioitai po tetital ftor each cotitt i ini usieti pest icicle is ,iii\ ixxn tilt pest toipjlex piresent init gix eni field at a gixven timie ciuldi indciicate tile choiice if It apesxtic ide xxhich could gixve itttitipiii pist control. Tii xxldit eiinititte the nceed for tiittitieteritiit 19-1') is Bit 'xlii....... Bu.t 46. 3:3.2 iilt. .. .. .. .. .. .357 3-1. t .. .... 51.3 5 0.1t p e te sti cidte ll glr\ lxxclxore I ica ttills xxith at reduI ction ill p~rotectiomn wkith less pesticide. coixts tol tihe A.li unit ( lltil xiti/ Xglriun/ti ral I. perniciilt Statioin ~ A FIG. 3. Adult lace bug on underside of leaf. latioris alill sitadle N*s (fi(ott (lalltiage tilil miore of this itcekX those p~laints locatedi ill the ihis Ilea\ daiatie caiscs lea\ es to iecatist anditdropt. Ili A\labama there ai c a Xcal \\ithi diense 11is1lall t\o0Itieiatioils throu(igh i p opu)Itills The\ are til 'Marc A \iaN anit algiii ill jIIIX thiroutgh Setnthii(C onill iWO lift ha\s thorn lace bug. is a ser)ius p~est ot cydloniate ( Fitch. Alahaioa. loll it is also founid JIX racantha ijo IalplliCse qu~ince. 'his o)il bass thornao hulg cau~ses a loss of color to the tipper leaf surface ino spteckled ptatternt and to the sex endl small (larks withl i111i1(1sturface applear ill Theii~i~ sp~ots of e\(lI'iett. igheist p~opltitons canll Aprl, mi thel awl eiarl\ fall until foundl~ ill late sililer L vu i iii, (5 like scleC insects, are mlajo~r (It orn ameInt Ital trees anitd shrtbt. When(1 these intsects feed the\ caltl cause a1 Iliiflrilt lea~f color and1 reloss (If diesiralel pe sts 1)111itch et slti appeaCran ce of te tCIlil)er leaf i tille, figu~re 1. und(erside (If N\\ inlils and i t(hilts \% ith oi ( )ctob(fr. Ill( sy5callmore lace hug, Coryfi/i 1( trees o(0 sX (ainie ('(11010 Sal ), is conitltit in) \lahalia. It call also be foundi occasiotialk ix l ash, ilickor\ anidt ittiliutrix 'I'lhe tX piteal spe~ckledi patterin (If cliot loss appea~irs oIil the up~per, surface otf those lea\ es that itax eeni lit,,htl\ damtaged. and leax es \Nith htemN (lliiage tine to hlighl wXhite an1d( drop) prepIopuIlationts tui iattrl I . Duiritng (rX \\ cather, heaX X leaf loss ca10 result iliseriouis iojtirX to ornamteintal plantltings oIf s\ calilore. There ltta\ be t\N oI or miore generations a1 Xear ill Alabaltlla. tile cast sk ills (If tilt 1)1( IXitlis cll h)t foun diamiaged disea se ail no~t ()ill\ inXlteIr ilICatis a it iaAgC. Su~ch 1111 ge loss tol ihomeownX Iers valtuts bu~t it c1a11 also resutit) tioliilos1ses( to commellIrclial sertious ecII gr( rs (If lel 1\ Cs aloing \\ itil i~rIIX it pa~tches lor blac1k t ropiets (If filt-,re 2. c\ce Citl, D epending 110 till spcies, lace bulgs o(IX r\\ Ilter as eggs a~t talched tol tile under-C adltts hlid( Cet in prosid1e oIf leaXcs IrIas (If tile ho(st plan1t IliModIll tile tectiX CeiC ills I iC il\ itplils tile adlllts la\ eggs. 'pig liltI)Xillphi and1( adullt lace buigs ulilIi f rontI the undei rsideIs (If slick p~lanit fices~ a1 leavXes resultfing fitl splotched, stipled,~l or erf rot (IXo the tunttersidt (of leax es. ThitetllcraIIX eseilble heantitile Il f ill llcX \\ iog's (If tie adlllts. \La speCcies ha\X da rk er bies~lC a1nd ili c 11o NIreli \\ ith C figure :3. large 11111itC ines Ile\ eloping iThe comptjlete life cX (c. XX c Itheitse eggs or ha.1 t~ch frIm Xilterell eggs i)IgiilI feding ol litay take :3(1(IIX . I Alai Milia thlere a115three gei leratiolis ai s It tN hbt aIs iln iilest popu~lattionis, s itielt reXear. T sltlt iut tile greatest diloage, o( appfrox~illnlteX X Xwea~ther, Ilea\ (If O ther lace hogs o~f iimpot t nci~c ll Alalbinaili as ptests o(iI orntameintal trees and( shrub,, are listediilt the tale. sucih as lalce\\ fogs, Nat)uiral COC ill fs i)ctles. sptiders, ailid assa~sstin bugs, lad\i predalceouis itlites conitiol tile lalce iNig p)opltioin earl\ polt~itonts P~esticide are ini the X\ear. The use (If Iit lonlger ConIltrolledl can b\ iinfestationis lot tre cap ahle lace illigs 1 lephlanlk~ natu ral ecitenies ani d damlt age t intoea siltg. recommenda~lltionts Oloc ou 1 defoliatfig their holst pllat. (Iof azaleas Ti il (ldamlagedI and( 111111( (cl suirface. he oh- CA XXherCXver thteX lta\ Cs lislilklX Ire grown tajoed froiil\ A11 labamia Collperao ffice. For~ mlore p11 icideI est t tiX( C lxteilsiIol Serxic Cffec tive con ttrol ll sholdl be app11liedi b\ ICIIXs l sp raxs ~ 1 splolt citel a1XC to tile ttttderstirface oIf frolil iClII\\ d irectin~g the spraX PlitlAts ill stinlloi ca~tionits ilave hligiter the pllant I oltage. sill- Iilol i,,, i's il\ AI sii \\t q eo \l111r lace1 1)ug buitg ihug (or,, C. cl C. a /111c pIIrganit 111cr, iall/C Iltt btrcht tilrili Lace I Lmx (\atlacsLe bg It lace Ili C. ul hnI t)shorn &, D rake) \mleroiaii elmt 11( aa illicll SA o. 51. A(rI \\ ililo\S 1/let ilIS ilickllrs y~ on pyracanAl FIG tha and FIG. 2. underside of leaf showing lace bug nymphs and characteristic black droplets of excrement. (O)sboIrn & D rake) S/IICA lc hl tg Iliodotieldroul lace biji I S. p!lli11dc11 S Sco tt) S. r Auiburn Unoiversityi Agricultuoral Ex perimlent Station Exposure to Ozone Affects Growth of Tall Fescue A iitt I 1j) is a contiiiingprbe in ir near mnetropo li tan andi indlusitrial ten cers of noirthern AlIaba ma. Sex eral po llt11 tants, such as ozo,'xi sulfur dIio xide, and niltrious oxides, are knowxn to be tdetrimencltal to iiieroiix plant spec'ies. W J J~OHNSTON. RAY DICKENS, and H L. HAA.LAND Departmenti of Agronomy and Soils Tlall fescue is the best adlaptetd grass species fo~r both turf andi forage use in much of northern Alabaina. Research by the Auburii I..nix rsitx Agricultural E~xpecrimient Station has showxn that tall fescue can be damaged bN exposure to ozone. '[all fescue seedlings from div erse g4enetic origin we re growxn uintder controlled conititions and exposetd to nzone contentrations (0. 08 p.p.lii.), coinrnonil\ occurring in urban areas of Alabamna, for a p~eriod of 6 xweeks. At the entd of exposure k- t -N ~, a a , ~a.~. - -~ *.- 'x >5 k ~. ~ 4, ta lit ncasulre the plan ts weec hiarxvestetd an inents of groxx th anti nutrient cointents we rc moade. At this time, plants exposed to ooiies exhibited browxn flecking oi the leaf blade. \% eights of leax es, roots, antI stems \\ ere rediicetd l) exp~osuire to ozone, table 1. T his intdicates ozoi ne could tauiise probileIcms enance iif tall in e stabl ishmiient an li]laint fescue standcs. The liicchanislii of groxwthi reduction by oziine iln tall fescue has not been tdetermlined. T he aboxve grountd portions ofb1)th treated anit ciontriol plants xwere analxyzed for a mouint oif chloirno)phyxll and sev eral eleilients limpoirtant iln plant groxwth, tablle 2. 0zone cauisetd retduictioiis ini chlorophx II, phosphorus, potassiuml, calcimi, and Imagnecsium. TIhese retduictions miax he responsible for the retlutetd groxwth rates ohxc(rx cc ini the seedligs exposetd to oi/one. Other studies at Auburni inidicate that certain genetic lilies are iiiore tolerant to (/line than are others. ~ . Top: test plots of tall fescue at Experiment Station. Bottom: tall fescue damaged by exposure to ozone exhibits flecking on leat blade. F vxi i I G wm ii i \Ic c ienc - I ixr 0.00 IR 0.0)8 I Adtf ''4 h T x fresh \% eight (iog)................. sx 'iu fresh \\ecightI Root drx xx iiht iigx Leiaf clrs x eight (nog) 'iini cmx %\eight ooig). Leaf area (ciii) ......... 1 11cer nxoiiber ........ 408 :341 191 3:3 55 28 14.3 (ing..............240 .36 66 32 16.5 .. :3.3 *Significanit at P) < 0.0)5. (iiiii in i iii , C i \i . \ i\ Foii xxi Ni F' -S t F:s clilorophx 11 0.11 )) Change P0. I ital chlorophx 11 (tu1g/g)............... 1.19 1) (pet. I.............2923 KP~ (Ict..............92 (l:a pIct.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3) *Sigmtic ant at 1) < (0.0)5. ( xiil ' i t il 1:3* 8 6 V- A111)i111 Xxixu/lxo/I siMto ofSMOton Improved Recovery and Ease in Handling of STEAM-PEELED SWEET POTATOES D. A. SMITH, K. S. RYMAL, and H. HARRIS Department of Horticulture EXCESSIVE PEELING and trimming losses, high labor costs, and oxidative discoloration are some of the major problems encountered by sweet potato processors. Under ideal conditions, peeling should remove only a thin outer layer of the sweet potato, and leave no eyes, peels, or blemishes to be removed by hand trimming and also leave the newly exposed surface of the root unchanged by contact with chemicals or heat. An optimum peeling depth for sweet potatoes is 0.1 - 0.3 mm when the peeled roots are to be canned. Present commercial peeling of sweet potatoes is generally accomplished with lye immersion followed by spray washing, although some processors use steam peeling. Either method produces a satisfactory processing product, however, peeling depths are greater than the optimum levels already described, and peeling and trimming losses are correspondingly high. These losses vary with the duration of the peeling treatment and in the case of lye peeling, with the concentration of lye used. Prolonged peeling treatments increase peeling losses but reduce trimming, resulting in a more attractive product by decreasing oxidative darkening. Recoveries of 50% are not uncommon, and the breakdown of surface tissues during the peeling operation makes the potato slippery and difficult to hand trim and pack. Research was conducted by the Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station to determine the effect of rapid cooling by direct cold water injection into the peeling chamber of a high pressure steam peeler and the resultant pressure drop due to steam condensation on the effectiveness of the peel and on the peeled and trimmed yield of sweet potatoes. Cured roots of the Red Jewel cultivar with a mean diameter and weight of 2.22 in. and 3 lb., respectively, were used. A tumbling, batch-type commercial steam peeler of 5-bu. capacity was 12 adapted to accept direct injections of water at 18'C into the peeling chamber through the steam diffuser system. During operation high pressure steam rapidly filled the peeling chamber through the diffusers. This ensured rapid transfer of heat to the moisture under the peel. As the steam was exhausted, cold water was injected directly into the chamber, thus condensing the steam and causing an almost instantaneous reduction in pressure which resulted in dynamic imbalance. The boiling water under the skin flashed off as steam, rupturing the skin and exploding it away. The roots were then discharged and conveyed through a rubber-studded roll washer and then hand trimmed of eyes, fiber, and defects. In addition to the sweet potatoes peeled by this method of high pressure steam, controls consisted of sweet potatoes peeled in the high pressure steam peeler and wash-cooled after discharge from the peeler, and sweet potatoes peeled in a caustic peeler and charged with a 10% w/w solution of NaOH with an exposure time of 5 minutes followed by the wash process used with the other treatments. The total peeled and trimmed yield was determined by weighing the sweet potatoes before and after peeling and trimming. The depth of heat penetration was determined by the direct measurement of the translucent zone of gelatinized tissue of the peeled and washed roots. The peeled sweet potatoes were noted for appearance, ease of handling, and trimming, and assigned numerical scores on a 10-point scale with 10 being excellent and 6 being the border line of acceptability. Direct injection of cold water into the atmosphere of the high pressure steam peeling chamber resulted in a recovery of peeled and trimmed sweet potatoes equal to or higher than either high pressure steam peeling by itself or caustic peeling, see table. This peeling method is characterized by the rapid release of heat treatment. In high pressure steam peeling without cold water injection, the steam pressure is reduced more slowly and there is no direct cooling action by cold water. These roots leave the peeler hot and they are not fully cooled until they pass into the washer. Mean heat penetration into the flesh of the root, see table, was not as deep in the high pressure steam peeled with cold water injection potatoes as in the two control groups. Enzymatic darkening or "heat ring" formation at the boundary of heat penetration was slower than either of the controls. This suggests that heat penetration was stopped abruptly while temperatures were still high enough for enzyme inactivation. Roots peeled using the water injection method required little hand trimming, primarily of fiber at the ends of the roots. Eyes and blemishes were removed in peeling and required little or no hand operation. Roots peeled by the other two methods required more trimming and were difficult to handle due to slippery surfaces resulting from the breakdown of surface tissues. Color and appearance of roots from both steam peeling methods were rated as excellent. The color of lye-peeled roots was less brilliant but still highly acceptable. The retention of good surface color indicates that all samples received enough heat to blanch the outer tissues. Flash cooling, when added to a properly optimized steam peeling operation, can reduce peeling and trimming losses, greatly reduce the difficulty of hand trimming operations, eliminate the need for expensive caustic solutions, and result in higher quality sweet potatoes for further processing. EFFECT OF PEELING METHOD ON PEELED AND TRIMMED YIELD, HEAT PENETRATION, HEAT RING DEVELOPMENT, APPEARANCE, AND EASE OF HANDLING OF CURED RED JEWEL SWEET POTATOES Peeling method Mean Mean Heat ring Color and yield heat penetration development time appearance Pct. mm min. Ease of handling and trimming' HPSFC 23 .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. ...81.1 1.9 60-120 10.0 9.0 HPSWC . .73.7 2.2 20- 45 9.0 6.5 Lye .............. 80.3 4.7 10- 30 7.5 7.5 'Ten point scale with 10 being excellent and 6 being the border line of acceptability. 2 High pressure steam peeled with flash cooling. 3 High pressure steam peeled with water cooling. 2Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station T HE TENNESSEE-TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY will connect 1,600 miles of inland water systems to the Port of Mobile. Eliminating hundreds of miles from the existing barge route between inland agricultural and industrial centers and the Gulf of Mexico, the Waterway may enhance the potential for economic growth in counties that border this new transportation route. The anticipated effects of the project as perceived by county residents and leaders of eight west Alabama counties (Choctaw, Clarke, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Washington) were included in this study. Their attitudes will be an important consideration for an area preparing itself for increased economic development. Leaders were identified on the basis of the elected or appointed position they held, the federal or state agency they administered in the county, or the development-related committee or advisory group to which they belonged. In the summer of 1979, 525 leaders completed a mail questionnaire, about 66%of those contacted. A second phase of the research was comprised of interviews with a 1% sample of county residents who were age 18 and over. A total of 926 persons was interviewed, representing 85.6% of the households identified in the sample. The table shows the responses of leaders and household residents to a series of 1 questions about the anticipated effect of the Waterway on their county. The introduction read: "A lot of people have been talking about the changes the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway might bring to Western Alabama. We'd like your opinion about some of the things the Waterway may or may not do for the area. What kind of effect will the Waterway have on ... ?" The table lists the items in order of the leaders' expected positive effects. Item 1 shows the expected effect of the Waterway on the county as a whole. The majority of both groups of respondents thought the Waterway would bring about positive effects on the county. More leaders expected substantial positive effects of the Waterway on industry in their county (Item 2). Both groups were positive about the Waterway's effect on businesses in the county, but nearly one-third of the household respondents saw no difference or simply did not know (Item 3). A frequently-voiced concern among rural residents is the need for job opportunities for local high school graduates who West Alabamians Anti pate the Coming o STHE TENNESSEETOMBIGBEE WATERWAY J. J. MOLNAR and L. A. EWING Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology ful for new growth stemming from the Waterway development. Item 6 shows that both groups expressed much indecision or saw no difference in the effects the Waterway might have on agriculture, although the majority was positive in both cases. Leaders and household residents alike expected increases in the quality of life, with leaders being more optimistic than the residents (Item 7). Items 8 and 9 show lower levels of positive expectations for the Waterway's effect on poor and minorities living in the area. Item 10 illustrates the most negative perceived consequence of Waterway development that was found in the study. Almost 30% of the leaders and 17% of the household residents expected negative effects on the natural environment in their county, as some public controversy has surrounded the environmental impacts of the construction. It still remains to be seen whether the positive expectations west Alabamians have for development will motivate an active effort to recruit new industry and to improve the community facilities and services that support an expanding local economy. would otherwise be forced to move out of the area to find employment. Item 4 shows both groups having positive expectations about this concern. Both groups were positive about population growth connected with the Waterway development (Item 5). Leaders were particularly hope- LEADER AND HOUSEHOLD RESIDENT EXPECTATIONS FOR THE TENNESSEE-TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY 1 1. On your county as whole: Leaders (N = 514) ............... Residents (N = 877) ............... 2. On industry: Leaders (N = 512)............... Residents (N = 874) ............... 3. On businesses: Leaders (N = 514)............. Residents (N = 874) ............... 4. On employment for high school graduates: Leaders (N = 514)............... Residents (N = 874) .............. 5. On county population size: Leaders (N= 512) ............... Residents (N = 870) ............... 6. On agriculture: Leaders (N = 514) ............... Residents (N = 873) ............... 7. On the quality of life: Leaders (N = 514) .............. Residents (N = 871) .............. 8. On poor people: Leaders N = 515) ............... Residents (N 878)............... 9. On minorities: Leaders (N = 510)............. Residents (N = 874)............ 10. On the natural environment: Leaders (N = 509) ............... Residents (N = 872) ............... Item Expect positive or negative effects* + 0 Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. ++ 58.6 38.9 61.7 35.8 50.0 37.3 38.1 47.7 29.3 35.1 27.6 27.0 27.6 23.9 29.7 23.7 27.3 24.4 22.2 16.9 35.8 25.9 30.5 31.1 42.8 31.8 47.3 33.6 52.0 33.0 39.5 28.3 44.0 33.3 39.2 30.2 42.0 34.4 25.5 25.8 3.9 32.5 6.4 30.8 5.8 28.6 13.2 17.7 17.6 27.4 28.2 40.1 23.5 37.9 26.8 36.9 26.9 37.4 22.8 39.8 1.0 1.4 .8 1.6 .8 1.6 .8 .6 .8 3.6 3.9 2.4 4.1 2.8 3.7 4.7 2.0 2.1 23.4 11.6 0.8 1.4 .6 .7 .6 .7 .6 .3 .4 1.0 .8 2.2 .8 2.2 .6 4.6 2.0 1.7 6.1 6.0 *Response categories' were: ++ large positive effects + =small positive effects O=make no difference/don't know - = small negative effects -- =large negative effects Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station 13 RIGINALLY, WALL SHEATHING MAO TERIAL for framed houses consisted almost exclusively of tongue and groove wood boards, %-in. thick and 6-in. wide. These boards were nailed to the wood studs diagonally at approximately 400 angles. The function of the sheathing boards was to brace the studs and provide rigidity to house walls to resist particularly shear stresses that develop in the walls during high winds. In the early 1950's sheathing wood boards were gradually replaced by ,'-in. thick, 4 x 8 ft. plywood panels. This substitution resulted from the lower costs of plywood (per unit area) and the lower installation cost of plywood panels compared to sheathing boards. In addition, the plywood sheathing increased the structural rigidity of the walls. Later, in late 1960, a new sheathing material appearedthe insulation sheathing board (blackboard), ,h-in. thick, was manufactured from pressed wood fibers without glue. Substitution of plywood with "blackboard" for wall sheathing began primarily because of the lower cost of blackboard (less than 50% of plywood), but also because of the better insulating characteristics of the blackboard (about two times better insulator than plywood). The structural properties of blackboard do not match those of plywood (as the table indicates). The shear strength of plywood is 10 times larger, the shear stiffness 5 times, and the flexural strength and stiffness is 30 and 50 times greater than that of blackboard. There is no doubt the structural integrity of walls is decreased by substituting blackboard for plywood. The question, however, remains whether there is any thermoinsulating benefit to houses from this substitution. A research project underway at the Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station was designed to answer questions concerning energy requirements for heat14 ing and cooling of one-room houses constructed with different materials. Experimental results from this project indicate the following: Energy requirements are the same for heating two experimental houses to the same inside temperature (66F) with the only difference among them being that one had plywood wall sheathing, the other blackboard. In the last several years, with the cost of energy for heating and cooling rising steadily, other insulating panel products emerged, namely 1-in. thick styrofoam polyurethane panels used instead and %3-in. of wall sheathing. These materials are very weak structurally, as shown in the table. They are used solely for their insulating value (R = 5.25 to 5.5), and their cost is higher than ,-in. plywood. These panels do not contribute to the structural rigidity of the walls. Very often, attempts to reinforce the wood studs diagonally with wood board bracing further weakens the studs because of notching to insert the bracing. Thus, the end result is weakened stud wall structure without real sheathing. The question again is how much thermoinsulation these insulating panels on the walls add to the house? Experimental results of the ongoing study mentioned earlier indicate that energy requirements are the same for heating two experimental houses at the same inside temperature (66 0 F) with the only difference that one has plywood wall sheathing, the other commercial h-in. aluminum-surfaced, polyurethane insulation board. The fact that the two houses have the same energy requirements for heating, although the walls are constructed with materials that differ greatly in thermoinsulating values, can be explained as follows: first, the outside walls constitute only a portion of the total exposed area and therefore the ceilings and subfloor spaces have as much influence. Second, during installation these panels are often damaged and do not fit airtight; therefore, the full thermoinsulating ability of the material cannot materialize for the benefit of the total house insulation. This information may be valuable to individuals who plan to build a house and decide themselves what wall sheathing materials to use, considering the cost of the materials, structural and insulating characteristics, as well as actual energy requirements for heating. FLEXURAL AND SHEAR PROPERTIES, THERMOINSULATION VALUE R, AND COST OF 1 FOUR WALL SHEATHING AND INSULATION PANEL BOARDS 2 Wall boards Plate Thermo- Panel Flexural Shear cost, shear trough Stiffness Strength thickness stiffness insulation 4x8 ft. M.O.E. M.O.R. value p.s.i. p.s.i. strength G p.s.i. p.s.i. R $ Plywood CDX Southern pine 61,700 0.65 8.00 973 " thick ....................... Insulation sheathing "blackboard" 1,451,000 7,171 257 91 12,800 1.5 3.20 " thick.....................32,900 Styrofoam insulation board 1" 5.25 8.40 63 12 2,042 3,220 thick ........................ Polyurethane sheathing 5.4 9.60 14,350 75 21 /4" thick ....................... 'Each value represents the average of six specimens. 2Flexural properties and shear strength were determined according to ASTM D 1037-72, plate shear stiffness according to ASTM D 3044-76, thermoinsulation R-value according to ASTM C 518-76. Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station has inanx lN(',ivt ~tliimr aidxantages. After at pioxxpan has been broken, crop roots canl penetrate deeper and miake uise of subild imoistuire, wxhich results inl increased x icids inl inanx N ears. Chiiseling takes less energy and requires fewxer trills across tihe fieldI than does plowing and dfiskinlg. And, iinder-tlie-roNx chiseling fits inito redutced tillage co i seiAfter olbserx iig early xxork oi niii(' the roxx clhiseliing, it becamie apparenit there should be at11101e efficient wxax to do the job. The objectix e of this study wxas to inl x estig.ate the power requtiremnents anl(l the tilIlage pierf orimance of an exp eriminental po\ ered rotarx chisel, x\ hich \\xias poxx ci ed by a (frix e line attached to the tract'or PT ( rather than fromn (1ra\xbar poill). 'Ihe concepit of the powA~ered rotarN chisel xxas based onl three factors: (1) poweri call be traiisiiiitted to thle chisels xvia at mechanical (Irix e-line iiiore efficientlx than it call be tranlsmittedl via di axx bar pull, (2) reduced diraft ot tillage tools re(bites the need for heax il\ xxeighted xx heels, therebx reduicing soil coliifiactioll and (3) redlutced draft wxill allow chiseliing x to be donelil dciff iciult traction condtitions, increasing the timieliiiess of the chiseling operation. Design Considerations -it' poxx trecl i tarx chisel xxats designed tooperate in xx\hat is called the forxxrIr dIirectio(( (it tuirnied iii the sami e (Iirecti( ll thel tractor xxheels turn) so the resistance of tile soil a gainlst tille chisel blade \ox (Ic ((1( resul~t iii at force inl thie f1 r\xxa rd direction anid push itself across the field. 'To reduce thet ii lxxer re(qiiremien t, the blades xx\ere tuirn at slowx rioItairy speed. iat dIesignied toI The shapes (If tile blades xx ere, designed so~ thet back sides oIf thle blades didl not press inito iicut 511i1. ('sin~g all the listed requireinrint , ii expe(rimiien tal mod1(1el wxas (desi giiedl i1(1 i 4-ft. (diam1eter exp enrim entlI rI ta rx chisel, ha xin g six blades, wxas conii st rueted. Testing h' '\fiI experiental chisel xxas operated ill loaiii, at loallix three sioil tx fex (a saniid and( at claix loami), ovxer at ranige (If sani, I otarx speeds, ill thle soil bills ait the \atiotial TIillage \IaclhiierN Laboratoi x ill Aubuirni. Mleasuremnts xxere iladleduring. thit tests (if draft force, forxx ard speed, rI Ita rx speed, and torIque, froini thioise inieaand111 rlltarx powe\ tr silleilents draft piiixx xx\ere clcu la ted. 'l'iie tillalge p erf oriililliT (If thet rI iLIrx chiisel xxas tdett'rimiined bN (if soil (listuirbel mieasuiring the xiiit' aoid thlt finl clod-sil(' distribution (If thie aind( thle fiI\\ er requiiredi b\ x i th tilrist la1rge' f I rxx 1rti- C 11 '01" "'I ';~" '1;' ' ' I The field prototype of a powered rotary chisel in an early stage of its development (NTML Photo No. AlO0, 305a). Designing and Testing An Experimental Powered Rotary Chisel JAMESu G \ENoRCK Nlotial Tilag Macin Lc,iu ry SEA AR (the( loxi tr ef ficieilcx ciisel xxetre cliimpare'd xxiti thle t illage dllole b\ draixwbar pull1 being caulsedl pimiarilx bx the lowx ('ffiill ciellex of tire's opferatinlg oil "oil). 111111.i Results lT'e ri tarx tchiise'l dfe'veII ledl i1 si gi ifif cant forxxardt thrust dunring tilt te'sts. TIht' miiagnitudet (If till foirwxartd thrust ill all ha11ff xx-oil(] requlire an1 axe(rag' (If 2K%iiiort' than xxhull a poxxw(red eligiIIl' poxx ii 1 ro tarx ('list' . toolls xxas TIhe' tillage petrf ormlante (Iftill juicgt'c lix the rt'suiltinig soil breaikup, thel 111liuli (If tile sohil tfistuirbe'd, and1 till sl ITile ritlrx chlistel suirface conlditionil. t b ro ke' if i till si tI a grea te r ciegre' thlan c did thet riill ciist'l. 1111' n irss stet i ial gr('ater soil dlistuirbetd xxias 30T1 alrea oif tile (lI I' Soil silfac coi1 s rlitarx cise \st'1xmoIre' 1 (I biokein, xxitli 1111111 clods turne o\ er, than the rigid c'hisl. folfoxx iiig tests (If andi~ te'ainiig acttionl. three sil clisel tx fils tihe xxs lixlllfrIIiiiltelx saiiiu tconditionis. tihe tfralxxillr foice requlired( tol piull il rigid undeftr 'F'h xas cisel w thIrust dcI'll Ied lix tiie ro talrx xerN cxt'li c, xxhic'h pointedt oilt tht' iited for halx ing at iiiilti-rllxv rltlrx ('hist'l asseinbix (alit hinlg tile po~sitionls (If till b~ladles of tue txxo a sst'iiblie's stagt'red) (hitilli folloxx lug force's ol thiet tiraixbar, thetre'folre, othetr diraft tooils siich tue prini I lsiing, folrxxalrd piedl'( silts looiked Since thie labI iatlirx test i at txx II rllxx , field si/l' (chisel thiiust anid pim cilt its beiiig apf- tol tile tracto~r. blades 5 ft . ill (fialmeiter) rI tarx ch ist'l is beig colnstrlicte'd. 'Flie figiirt' silix 5 thet fie'fd uinit ill all t'arlx stage (If conistruictioin. de (terin iie its f)plxer requ iie'mentl ts and11 its xx\ill T'e total fIo\\er re'quiire'nlt for the chilus' xxas a~bouit expeltrimental rotarx :3N hlighetr thali .1 fo(r rigidl thisel ill 1111thlree' piirtdic't tillrelaltivxe fpowxxer requp iremtsi '~ m iissionl (lit ions. FT'e tests be codu tt'd ill coo~pe'rationi xx itfi it'st'111'ilrs o~f the Agri- t'ff ic'ilnt'- of 82T call bt' expected 1 the i otarx at 4WS t'fficient'x ftir polin g Staltionl rigid chisel ('okixersitx and tile t'SO)A SU X Soil ,lntf \\alter Betsea'll Illilt. A~iiuurn Univiersiy Augric'n/tnru/ E'xpciitilt Corn-Wheat-Soybean Rotations and Their Response to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium JTCOPE an xdie ,Illd (' oxxx ie. Cropsx groxxn oil "oils that xxere High in P Ii 196S (11( not respond to P oxver the niext 11 x earx. ,At Crosx ille. wxhere soil P xxax Low, resp~onxex to P of :31, 11, anllt 0bx per aere xx ere p~rodlucedl I corn, xox beans, and xx heat. rex))eetx elx. 'Ilhe other locations piroduliced inoderate y ield rexponxes to P, ax p~redlictedl from) the soil tests. Response to K P~lots that reeivxed 10) Iotasxlixii haxve not been fertilized wxith K xince 1929. Riatex of K for the other treatientx haxve been ('oniitiioiix asx shlown xince 1957. Soil text K lexc~ wi xere Meditim inl 1968 at Prattv ie andi Belle M in a and [,o x onl the oth er four Response to :30 lb. of i w)xas note'd at all loc)ations oil corn and xs)ybeans, axveragin, 29I bu)f corn11 andi 8 lii. of xo\ beansx, I )nlx tlhe Cr)osx\ ille experimient respoindetd to inore than Y)lb). per acre of 10(), andI 60) lb. ax)nnually xxas atdequ ate at thix lociation. WXheat xhoxxetd xer Ilitl resp~onse to K at all\ 1bwa lwl. D L ri PLOW Deparenornm r 3 d Soil txx ccxi ciorn antI xox beans d]i( mit deecreaxe G m o)x N . 37-hi). cropl of xxheat be- Response to P 'Mle 1)1ots5 meevi xed no phosixphorus that i hall( not b~eenm fertilized xxitli P~ since 1957. lIt 1968, the soil text P) lexvel xxax High at Prattxville an d I leaclland, Mediurn at B~rewx toll il Belle' \lli ando I~oxx it \linua 'lui I:1.xliis x ield o)f either soxybeans or corn, Tisx xxas xhoxx ii lix axverages fromn 2 Near rotation experixxientx at xix Alabaina locations ox er the 11 -xear p)eriodl 1968-78. (ixl at the Tennessee V alley Substation did fullseasoin soybeians outx jeld those dloubllecroppetd folloxxing xxheat, table 1. D~ata io the tables are for the' best 7 of I I xyearx. Yi elds xxere sex erelx ljlnjted b\ drought, pocr stands, or cdixeases in about 1 xcar Il :3 at mnost locationis. Xx erages fo r all \-ears (last cioluixln in the tables) xx t' 21) 23 less for dorm) and 10- 15% less for xoox beans and xx-heat than xielclx for the( T gootd xears.-I'lese data are froin Auburn Unix ersi t Agricuiltuxral Experimient Station expertinents that haxve been in progress slince' 1929. Rexvisions haxve been mnade through the earx to adlapt to changing conditions. buxt the treatmnents xxere not chlanged during 1968-78. Locationx throughout the experinient hiaxe been. B~rewxton Experiinent Field; \lonroex ille Exlperimxment Field; Prattxville Experimnent Field-, WXiregrass Substation, I leaclland, Sand \Muntain Substation, Crossxille, and Tennessee \'allex Substation, Belle Mlina. Different rates (if nitrogen (N), phospihoruis (P), and liotassiuil (K) hax c been conlparecl during the 11 x\ears. Results are gixven Ii table 2. ox C'iio\, MtIi i x\ii cit xixIll I., \ om l I: I.]('o xI Ili IuI iio'x x ISIx Xi xIxx 1,i) liiiA \Ix\ 1968-78 )i i)'lt per acre, x\ erage -of best -7 of I I Nxears xTx 'lxii(i))' C ropinmg Xex age sequlente Bhrewxton Minroevx,e Prattle fadn rs-Ble ,ille Mlina A 13u. 111 l aill xea~rs locations Bu.i 3-criij rotation I orn ......... \X hleat... Sox eans ... b 2-crop rotation Courn ......... SN heals .. 13u. Bu. Bu. Bu. :32 '33 S3 34 718 .36 86 30) 119 4(0 1(08 41 95 :36 , 7 :32 0 'hxii , 2. Yjii ox i Colt \ X ii i f km) So) B. k\s i iiiixi l)iii \F IR ix[: ()I N i i xxi)K,() xi Six tIoio iIi\ i iiixxmx 1968-78 Yieldl per acr(e, ax erage of bext 7 of I I xears Mlonriie- Pratt lieadI]d Croxss Belle But. Boo. Bi. Bxu. Bu. Respn e of corn follow~ing soybeans to N eif s 45 64 66 53 92 77 9,6' 116 971 911 76 100U 131 103 Response of corn to P and K 8:3 78 1(02 100( 99 76 4 93 61 97T 911 7 99 ill 9 9To 76 M)( 1:31 1063 91 7-1 97 131 1(03 Response of xoybheanx to P and K lb./arre Bhrewxton Ax. all loci'onls But Ave(rage all1 ca('rs Bu. )- 60-60) ....... 1))6(1 61) ...... 66 96' 1201 6(16(1 ..... 97 59 96 99 91 74 96 99 99 :32 28 :36 .46 7 76 701 557 120-60-0 .. . . 51 120 6(1:3 .3 .. 94 .... 12(1 1211 6(0 74 76 ,5 96 0-0160 ..... 28 39 Corn Response to N Th'le data shoxxv that 90 lb). of N pecr acre xxas adequate for ('(in folloxxing stixbeans at all locations excepit at Crosxville and Belle Miina. At these locations, the highest vields (1:31 and 1(03 bu., respmectixvely~) xxere froxn 1201 lb. of N per acre. Other data shoxxedl that inclusion of wxheat, wxhich received 8(0 lb. oif N, in the rotation did not change thme rate needed for corn. N 0- 6(0-0...........25 066(0 3(1 ... 137 .35 3.8 :36 .3(1 38 :36 34 316 2 15 32 29 29 :32 28 25 :32 0) 6061)0 ..... S0_0_60 .. .. Y11 60( ... .. 81)6(1:30 .. . . 81)6(1611 ...... 91 18 22 24 24 :31 2~S :36 :31 :36 :32 :37 :32 2:3 1 ( -) )) . .. 26 39 :38 43 :36 :31 \ it'ld xfronit the miistx practiali rates of N, P20O, and K20) are' ilnderlit'tl . Phospholi riis andI 5( 46 4:3 45 44 Sox loans reeu'xxed unIxl :939 35 38 40 :37 :35 39 Rexponse of wheat to P and K 24 .38 40 .35 26 :39 41 41 28 4(1 39 .44 i 3 41 43_ 32 32 :37 :37 :32 :33 poaitixoi xxere) apiedlut bro~acat before plamlitilnj Coirn) andl xx1e'.). riduitial f'xtilizt'r ('xi t %' xxIn grxN 115 a till) seasoll tiop) N Auburn Universxityj Agricultural Experiment Station Landscape Value of Native Rhododendrons HENRY P ORR, Departmrent of H-itICUtvre su(ckle" in the Soi ith , is genieralix kn own. Bult mlost na~ti\ c' souitheriners are astounided1 to learn the\ hax e natixve rhododendrons. that are iiot e\ ergreens. ()ill\ in tihe last dlecade hasve the nativ e azaleas (i iiiie into their own, largely through the spIreadling of their famne bV suchl gardens as (.allaxxax Gardens, in Ge'orgia. Commeiiiircial nurseries bave resp)onded to this interest and prov ided supl) plhies oIt re2liab)le plan11ts for land scape use. Large Selection Available Siuh~ernI g.ardleners are tortuinate tio hias a large selection of hard\ es ergreen and dec(idulous a zalea s and rh od oden drons. 'Iliese ranlge from) dwxarf to large shrutbs, fine to coarse branches, antI whilte to rell flb x ers, wxith v aried f ragrances and exoi tic foin -i all wxelI adlapted to the region.l rdensl(i. (.is en beloxx is inforiiiatioii aboulit sine( (If thle species studtied, listed in the order in sxhicli the\ bloom) at C alla\xa\ Gardens: \\a as Texa~s (13. oll/olugiflilin)- \Ililte. fragrailt: lnuch like sxs NiilI azaleci. but Ilatis ( tio sollthsx tstern Arkansas, east (Cumb~lerlandl (R3. bakcu i)-X ellixx\\ redl late jliiii earl\ JuiNi ; at high dles atiiiis noi Ken t uckNx, Tennessee, inorthIen iGeorigia, A\labamla; 2-5 ft.; closel\ allied toI flailie azalea. IHammuzock Swseet (13. so'rriulatii XXilte, fragrant; late Julyx tol earls August; Geo2irgia tol central Florida and(1I l iiuisiana(; \ser\ tall, 6-1t0 ft. -)0 oige Florida azalea (11/io(Iddi(Ii n a istruuoi)-Fragraiit selloss floss ers; late Mairch, earl- April floxs ering: natisve to ino rthi an w11 Flo ridIa, sotitli x ext GeoIrgia, est soullthi Alabamia, soilthieast M issxissxipp i; height osver 12 ft. lPiediiiont (R-. ('oies(cens)-XXhite to light pinikf. fragraiit flowssr; late MIarch, earls Api il, niorthi Florida to North Carolina aind~ TI (sx height tol 15 ft. generalls not stilloniterols, not flriiig clon(Iies. (Often first spec2ie2s to 1)1((11 ( )onee ira I gi' red tii 1(221)ri'( non-fragrant earls at Aulburn.) Ihls (R1. spec liimil)-( ran ge tol lix 1(11lx flowxxers after Pied - monlit azaleas; \Nestern Gecorgia to South toi earl\ Septeillber; silitlxx (stern Geo'irgia easte'rn Ala~bamail tol 20t ft. tall; uiqueli( tii a relatix el\ small sec(tioni iof siluIthen iGetorgia and(1(Alabam a. Caro lin a; varies fromn loss shrulb)s toIp lan ts 6 ft. tall. IPiiixtei bloiii (R. indiflorum)-Mhite, plale piink to) v iolet red, fragrant; earls to niid-A~p rilI Niorth Carolina ti ITennii essee; Ilsull dlxxanf somiietimies 4-6 ft. tall1 fo rii s Pink xlielI (R. ri'en thiro a t ailt Natural Hybrids Exist X zal' '(1, bo tailicalls, are rh odId ei I drons. But moilst hiobby gartdeners call the dleciduouiis tNpes azaleas, andt refer to the large leax (2(1, ex crgyrcen sp ecies and] x aneties as rhodoidenidro ns. In the earls sears ofl Amlerica's settleiluelt ,uiii exloration, illaln (If the natlx e shrulls xxere eagerls sought bx theniobilit\ and taiioiis botanists (If Europe. Ihghl p~rizedI wxere tie natis e, deciduious azaleas. The( 'SNa 1111 azalea, R (od(2il(1ron ii 3i i(5 sum, \xas exported to Englandl in 1680, spec'ie's, iiiany natural li\ rids s ars iig iil ciolo r and] height canl be fiou ndl 'iTe fi se broadleaf es ergreei rhli1( i(l(iidrons natis e in this area are R3. ('0(11 liniauuuui, R. cataiibicuisc, 13 chaian(ii, R3.mnaiumoi and 13. miinus. Tlhtese are(de scribed, in the oIrder that tiles blooml in thle Aillbirn-Opelika area: 13R (Iroil ua seifi)-Hose pink orange-red (lo ts; wxi th m1id - Alril imounltains (If xestern North CaroIiiiatall sect md to flame a zalea for gardlen alie dleeper shades p~referredl wshlte (liltis ar, "\\hite, Find.- ouai Calln rhodiidoiIFnnnel-shapedl pIale piink to iruse; followed jickIN bN the pinxterbiooi. R3. (21 n u1diflorilln Mansy of these explorts ss'ere used in breeding to produce the Ghent, Kiiaphill, and I \lburs hs hrids. Bloom Spring to Summer Natural beaiitN is axvailable each spring f or sears to comie if iiatis e azaleas are p lanIted( ill the Ilandscaea li~ese hard\ plants xxith v ariable colored and fragrant hI (lis can~ proidle colorf ul b eatt fromi earl\ spr)~ing to silllinier. kiinds (If natixve azaleas are available for planting. Miost are either native to Alahai a or atdapted to mnost areas (If the State. Perhaps the largest collectino of these iiatis e beauties can be found at Calla.\all\ Alabamla (R. a/obamensc)-Wh ite xxitli eliix bliitchi, leiiln scentedl; mid- tio late April: iii rth central Alabama and isollatedl areas (If sxest-central Georgia; 3-6 ft. tall. Coastaol (13. adalnticurn)-XX ite flushed wxithl red, fragrant; Carolinas; lowx, 1-:3 ft. tall: s er\ hardys; stioloniferoiis. Swxamp~ ( R. r iscosnun)-Wh ite; iliit M\Ia earl\ June; stroIng, spies fragrance; Alabami a, Geo rgia north sxard ;'1sl ialkI losgrilx lug. ill) tol 5 ft. tall: stoloniterous. Flaine ( R. (-alhndnla('eiifli) Sp~(,ldI shiixx iof orange tol yellows flowsers; late \IaN , earls June; nolrthern Georgia niirthw5ardl; tall, ill) tol 10 ft.; fess , if an\-, pee~rs. Sswee(t (R3. arb)(rcscens)- Best (If the x\.bite, niatixves; late Mlay, early June; fragrant sxith heliotrop e scent; Alabamia, 1 Geiirgia niirthxxard; one foriil, the Georganid siimieijuia azalea, flowxers in JuLl tiimes Aiiguist; tall, upright, 6-10 ft. Ap~ril l5-\Ias 1; coastail lain ill ilirtlixxest appeara(i (nce'; height 6-8 ft. R. miniios Piedmiont rhodlodenudron. Mlediumi size floswer cluisters, las nderrolse; aroulndi May 1; large sp)readling shrub, iii) to 1t) ft.; heat resistant. R. caroiioanum-(arolina rhododeildrion. Bell-shaped, ink , lax ei ller pink, oir rose: arou(ndl \lax 1 glossx g ll leases il a brolad bult up1 right pIlaint; 1ijI tii 6-8 ft. R. catawh iense-Catass a rhodode~tndlron. Mlagenta to purple flowxe(rs in great prolfusion; around MIas 1.5 jint' 1 growxs to height o~f 6-It) ft. R. maoxinmm-(Isebay rhodiodenidroni. I a 5 'ill tr ti I 11 rlle-I ink flowisx(r; aroluind( jliii 1-15; diark green, drooping leasves; thet giant (If American species, ilp to 6-12 ft. tall. Auburn I.'niirrsitil AL'ricti/tura/ Experiment Stationu Futures Trading G. M.SULLIVAN and H. Y. LEE Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology D. A. LINTON, Cooperative Extension Service A Marketing Strategy for Feeder Cattle in Alabama GROWING STOCKER CATTLE on cool season grazing has traditionally been a profitable enterprise for Alabama farmers, but during the 1979-80 production year farmers were faced with declining feeder cattle prices just prior to their normal spring marketing season. Production and marketing risks now appear to be greater than ever before, and the successful producer will probably be the one who knows his market. In our complex livestock industry, marketing expertise is necessary to survive in the long-run. For example, average monthly real prices (based on 1967 dollars) for feeder cattle have averaged $45 per cwt., ranging from $32 to $58 per cwt. for the period 1972-1979, figure 1. Price variation is caused by the volume of sales of feeder cattle at the Montgomery market and these price variations present marketing risks to Alabama producers. For the alternative marketing strategy of commodity futures trading, the producer passes risks of price volatility to others in the marketplace. The producers who shift these risks are called hedgers since they have the physical product to merchandise. On the other side of the market are the speculators who neither produce the physical product nor wish to own it. The speculator is in the position of a risk bearer, making a profit through market price fluctuation. A hedger buys or sells a contract of feeder cattle (42,000 lb.) for some future month with the certainty that a profit can be made with minimum risks. The commodity futures for feeder cattle was established in 1972 by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The contract trading months are designated as 6 months during the year. Alabama's cattlemen would probably be interested in trading April and May contracts because they coincide with the normal marketing period for feeder cattle produced on cool season grazing. Trading for each contract month begins 11 months before the contract maturity month. The feasibility of the commodity futures market for Alabama producers is analyzed by examining the behavior of the basis. Basis is the cash price (CP) at Montgomery 18 minus the futures price (FP) for a particular contract month. The basis behavior determines acceptability of the futures market for hedging. If the cash and futures price move together over a certain amount of time, a producer may lock in a profit. If the basis does not follow this pattern, the producer could take a loss in the market as a hedger. In order to analyze the basis, the Montgomery weekly average feeder cattle cash price and the Chicago futures price for the April and May contracts were collected for the period 1972 through 1979. The average monthly basis was figured for the 11 months before the delivery of the two contracts. A contract consists of Choice feeder Reol dollars/cwt. 60.Or0 FIG. 1 30.01 58pr o 1LI rcwt. w. I 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 I J F M A FIG 2J MJ I A S 0 N D Doll rs/cwt. -4.0 FIG. 2 -5.0 -6.0 -7.0 -8.0 0 April contract a -9.0 May contract _Irln I I I I - I I L f I I I I I .M J J AS ND J FMAM cattle weighing between 550 and 650 lb. with a total weight of 42,000 lb. Average monthly bases are illustrated in figure 2. The bases are negative and the greatest difference between cash and futures prices occurs in the months most distant from the delivery month. Bases are usually widest here because of the uncertainty and lack of information in the marketplace as well as the decline in demand for feeder cattle in this State during the period June through November. The trend during this time is downward with some volatility because cow/calf sales influence the sale of stocker calves. After November, when the average basis for 8 years was -$7.55 for the May contract, the basis begins to narrow steadily as cash and futures prices approach each other. This narrowing begins after most stocker cattle pass the first handler, the cow/calf operator. The basis for the April and May contracts reaches the narrowest point during February and March and then it begins to widen, figure 2. This widening is the result of increased supplies of feeders being marketed which causes the cash feeder cattle prices in Montgomery to decline, see figure 1. As the delivery month approaches and the basis narrows, the livestock producer may benefit by hedging April and May contracts. Locking-in a profit in the commodity market and completing the "roundturn" before delivery can reduce production and marketing risks. According to the basis movements in Alabama, open contracts for April should be closed in the month of March when the average basis is the narrowest at -$4.30. Open contracts for May should normally be closed in February or March before the basis starts to widen again. The delivery of feeder cattle in Alabama to close out a contract is discouraged by a $6.00 per cwt. differential under the St. Louis price. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange has set this differential to cover transportation and marketing charges. In most instances the producer should offset his contract sale by a contract purchase and then sell his cattle through the normal marketing channel. If the basis follows the 8-year pattern observed, it will narrow as the contract approaches maturity. For those producers who want to minimize the risk in production and marketing of feeder cattle, the behavior of the basis is such that it is rather predictable; and producers may use futures trading to shift risks and to assure a profit in feeder cattle production. Each producer, however, will need to examine his financial portfolio to determine if margin requirements and calls can be maintained for the duration of a contract period. 1Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station ii!! t \v ii Iu\s of the sow during gestation is necessary for optiniiin) rp roduci tivxe perfoirmIiance and al so affects birth NN eights and surxvival of the offspring. I loxx e\ er, somiie controx ersx exists as to the best lexvel of feedio g d uri ng the last trimiester of gestation, xwich is the pieriodi ot iiiost irapid tetal groxx tic -I'lbe greatest increase in fetal pig wxeight occurs during the last :30 dax s of pregnancx and sonmc producers b~eliexve that increasing the lexvei of teeinug (hiring this period \\ iil result ili heax jer. mnore thriftN pigs at birth. O ther produicers feed at coniistanit lexvel (app ro xi iiiatelN 4 lb). per (lax ) throughout the entire gestation. 'Ihe( higher lexvci of feeding results in increased feed coists and higher siixx xx, eight gains but the effect on reprouituctixve perf ormiance an itl litter purfuirmance us uincertain. The folloxxing expieriiient xxits conductei by\ the Aiibuirn ['iix rsitx Agricuiltural Experimient St atioun to deterin ie the effect iif feeding iex ei duiring la te gestation onl rep rodciti ti perforiiance of the soxx and the groxxthi and surxvixvai ot her offspring. Crossbred gilts xxere indix, idiialix ted 4 11). per da\ of a IV45 pro tein corn,so\ beanu ineai diet troni breediiig to dax 901 of gestation. The gults xxere thmen (ix idied iiito txxoi groups xxith one group reiiainiing onl the 4 ii). per~ (lax feeding lexvei xxhile time second group receixved 7 lb). per thax fronii da\ 90) until farroxxiiig. Thel gilts remained onl these treatments for three farroxxiuigs. All soxxs xxere seif-fed at 141 (diet (hiring lactatiuon. Pigs xxvere allowxxed access to creep feed at 21 day s iof age and xxere xxeaned at 42 (lax s oif age. The soxx xxere then l)rced oii the first estrus after xx caning. Soxx s xxere xxeighedl at breedhing, day 910, and da(lit)1 of gestation and 21 and 42 dax s after farroxxing. Tihe pigs xxere xcughcd at birth. 21, and( 42 (lax\ s of age. WXeight gains for the txx io groiips ofi sowxx xxere siiiilar front breeding to (la\ 90 o f gestatiion, but so\x s fed thme higher lexvel of feed gained 6M) ihiire xx-eight (luring the last 2t0 day s oif gestation. Soxxs fed 4 lb. P >1 A Sow Reproductive Performance Not Increased by Extra Feeding in Late Gestation Subsr per dayx throughout gestation teiided toi lose ino re xxei ghmt duirin g lacta tio n xxhi le consumning :3..5 more lactation feed. Although the SOxx7 sfed extra feed in late gestation gained more xxeight, no increase xxas seen in reprodiictiv e perfiormnance as mecasuredh by litter si/es or litter xxeights at birth. Soxxs fed time standlardl 4 lb. per day farroxxed larger litters (11.1 xvs 1(0.6 pigs) xxith heax ier litter xxeights. Thus, the extra xxeight gains by soxxs fed 7 lb.' w~er lax xxere in bodx -tissuiegain antd nut in increased groxx th of the fetus (hiring late gestation. Siurxvixval of pigs to xxeaning xxas not significantx affected by gestation feeding lexvei. Sxirx ixal xxas slightix loixxer for sos fed 4 lb). per day but their litter size xx-ias still larger at 21 and 42 daxys thai) for sowxs fed 7 lb. per dlay . Prexx aning grixxth rates of the pigs xxere similar for the txxvo treatmment groups, xxith litters fromt Ili I IirIi 'i/i , \\ 1) \\vi IlS \Ii )(m Pli 1'i lx \m F N I Itlin Soxx\ ghit cImaige, lb) xi bireeinig to (lix\ 90... (lit\ 90 to (lit\ 110 . .. dax 110 to xxeiotnl Pigs per littei born...........11.1 4 lb. pier dax 90 20! -71 7 lb. tper dax 8 32 -62 10.6( born ilix . ............. itt 5 at 2! ditx s............... 9.1 it -42 d,xs............ .9 Lttei xx\eigh ts, lb) birth...................32.6 at 21 ditx s..............10)4.7 at 42 dax s............... 19!!.6 1.actation teed c insuiiiedx, lb. .5 2 I)ix\s to (istros ............ .. 9.8 S 8. :31.9 1015.9 197.0 5t10 10.)5 soxx s fed time higher ile\ ei of feed xxeighing slightlx ihiire at 42 (laxys. Another inortant econommic trait xxhich xxas cx aiiated xxas the number of daxys required for sowxxs to return to estriis followssing xxealling. Soxxs fed 7 lb. pe r dax\rc,(Iuire (l an ax erage(iof.5 daNs loniger to reach the first estriis postxx aning than sowxs fed 4 lb. per day . Thus, soxxs fed extra gestation feed xxVoimd be out of p~roduictioin oxver 10 (lays per year iore than soxxs fed the recomiiendhed 4 lb). per dax. In siuiiiary the results of this study shoxx that increasing the lee oi(ffeed for solxx s during late gestaition (hues not increase repirouiictixve performance or litter birth xweights anti the extra feed exists for the higher feeding lexvei cannot be eco noxm icailly juistifi ed. Prioduiicers should1( ensure that their sowxs receixve adequate dailx nutrition and mnaintain cxunstant feeding lexvels throughout gestation. Aubun iUniue(rsif m Agricultural Experimecnt Station SUBSOIL ACIDITY Reduces Sweet Potato Yields t1)1I \ is generalls recogizied ats at hlmiting factor ill Crop protduction in Alabaia. Loss soil 1)11 restricts root aid top) gross th of iiianN crops, wxhich c-an result iii at liiiited root sx stern Midt redurctd drought toleraince. This is oiftein the reasonr that p~lanits fail to dev elop) deep, x igorous root s\ steno, and aire uinahie to eff('ctis t'l litilize stioredl \\ ater iii thet soil pro file. '1hIe iltimaorte result is redu ced s ield s and lowsered pirofits, Problemis froiii sub~soil aeidits are not ats xxidel recognizied ats fromn suirfaee soil aicitit\5 althoughi this is at coirion prol)ll) ini iiair Alahaiiia soils. Aeitit\ iof suhsoil oif ten is init ensi fied hby the conitinuned use (if aeid-formiing fertiizers w5ithiout at ha lancedtlimrin g pr igra ii. S,,\ eet piotatioeus is or( ou the c rop)s that is f ads ersels affected I)\ subsoil aicitit\ .is suhsoil acitlits wxas found to retduce Malr k etah le \ ield aind inc rea se y ield of eculls iii 1979 tests lix the Auihurn I'nix ersits Agrieciltuiral E\periinent Station. The field studies wxere ciondrieted ori )ran geh r rg san dloh am soil at the E\ . Siiithi Researchr Center to tdeterinie tihe el f eel of suihsoil acitlits on gross th andit s ield of s\\ eet piotatoe)1s. i'h esuirface sioil Itto 6-in. depth) ot the test field \\t, as ifrrils liiretltoip1 itt.. Srisoil (6- to 12 iir. dlepth) 1)11 lexvels ranged froiii 4.3 to 6.0t PlIan t ing x\ias done M\ 14, rising Red less el s ariet\ Ruaiinfall front planting to harv est totaled 15 7 in. ini 1979. I)strihuition recoirds shows that rainfall aiiiotints \\ ere heliiss irorinul in \a\, June, and August, aint ahove normial iin juil and Septemher. Ilestilts slio\s thiatsiihsoillph I had ,linast Elilc i S0II),(II iio ef feet on earl\ plait grossthi or iii aimotint of final iiie grossthi before liar\ est. Iloss txer, eff ect of aeidits shiowsed up in soild comiparisons. Marketable s ieltls xxent uip as suihsoil phl iniereased, xxitli an areeoimparlin deceiase iii cuill rg sieltls. inn cutll s eldts occrurred at the h ighe st siihsrol 1 II (5.8 to 6.0)-476 hri. iiarketrthle iral f6t) h. culls per acre. This coin- pires xxith :3411 ho. iiarketable aid 96' hi. culls at the lo\\sest 1ill 143 to 4.5). S)oil rot is at coiiimioi sweet potato tdisease' reporrtedl in L~ouisianra, andi~ is initenisiit fiedt lb\ soil 1)11It's uls above 5'.2. To (late, this di sea st' lit s no(t h ten lidtntifie ict s at wxidei'spiea oblem ~rtlI'i in Alabamiiia. Threu tore' soil ,reidits eani 1)e reiilaited tir the It'svel that xxill pros ithe iiiasiiniirii \ it'lus about ~I)I 5.5tii6.11, ticcmrrdiiig tritln' r('silts repoirtedt. .. 'A '~? i2 'A' jo* -~ ~ w -'A ,, M ~J., Subsoil pH of 5.8-6.0 produced hrgher yields than soils with more acid subsoils in this 1979 experiment at the E. V. Smith Research Center. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION AUBURN UNIVERSITY AUBURN UNIVERSITY, ALABAMA 36849 PUBLICATION -- Highlights of Agricultural Research 9/80 Penalty for Private Use, $300 91x/ Pr \1( Y1111,1os V. .S\1111 Hisi x~iii E. iii ('i \ II 1 1979 1 ii1 'O u.1risoil i ill I POSTAGE PAID U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE A(;I 101 BULK RATE Subisiiil p11I range Mlarketable -1.3-4.53 . . . . . Peur aicrt' xtel Curlls 4.6i-4. .......... 4.9-53.2 ........... 5.3 - . .. . . . . 5.8-6.01........... Bushel 511).h