| Summary: | 4 pp. === Wheat Production on Lettuce Beds === In 2009, over 56,000 acres were planted to wheat in Arizona, all of which following either a lettuce or cotton crop. For wheat grown in the region, the conventional tillage sequence prior to planting can be tied to as many as seven field operations that consume valuable time, labor, and resources. In this study, our aim was to determine the effectiveness of reducing the number tillage (minimum till) operations in fields immediately following lettuce harvest. And demonstrate to Southwest wheat producers a means for conserving time, fuel, and resources. Growing wheat on lettuce beds immediately following lettuce harvest did not significantly reduce grain yield or quality. Although the regrowth of the previous crop can have significant implications for Durum grown with minimum tillage if not managed effectively, lodging was not a significant factor in this study as the degree of lodging was similar in both growing systems. The significant savings in fuel, labor and time, with no apparent reduction in Durum yield or quality, may be a significant benefit to wheat producers who incorporate minimum tillage practices following a lettuce crop.
|
|---|
