Alternative corn (Zea mays L.) production methods for Central Texas

Abstract

Research was conducted to evaluate the combination of narrow row spacing and glufosinate as potential components in an integrated production system for glufosinate-resistant corn. Additional research was conducted to evaluate row-zone tillage as an alternative production system in Central Texas. Glufosinate-resistant corn was planted in 51- and 102-cm row spacings, in which plant population was kept constant. Plots were sprayed with glufosinate alone and with different herbicide combinations with glufosinate. Weed control, crop injury , and yield data were obtained. Combining atropine with glufosinate enhanced Palmer amaranth control when control with glufosinate alone was low. Sunflower control with glufosinate was excellent. Control of johnsongrass, ivyleaf and entireleaf morningglory, Texas panicle, smellmellon, browntop panicum, and toothed spurge with glufosinate was greater than 82% . Atrazine followed sequential glufosinate applications was the most consistent herbicide system used, providing at least 94% control of all species. Row spacing had little effect on weed control in this study. In 1998 at Burleson County, the 51-cm spacing provided 77 % control of johnsongrass 28 DAT, while the 102-cm spacing provided 75% control. Crop injury to glufosinate-resistant corn was minimal when glufosinate alone, glufosinate in combination with atropine, or sequential glufosinate treatments were applied. In 1997 at the Bell County location glufosinate plus prosulfuron and primisulfuron injured corn 16%. Row-zone tillage treatments were applied to sorghum residue. Tillage treatments were no-till, sweep row-zone, and triple coulter row-zone. Tillage was applied in fall, spring, and just before planting. In 1998, both tillage method and timing influenced residue cover. No-till plots had the highest percentage residue cover with 63% ground cover, and was significantly more than both row-zone methods. Tillage timing did not effect in-row soil aggregation and tillage method had only a small effect in 1998. Tillage method changed the percentage of aggregates from 32 to 19 mm, with triple coulter having significantly higher percentage than no-till. Tillage before planting had the tallest plants later in the growing season. The sweep till row-zone tillage method produced the higher corn yield in 1998. Tillage method did not affect plant height.