The suitability of energy beets for double-cropping with soybeans in the Arkansas delta.

摘要

The climate of the midsouthern USA allows increased potential for crop productivity through the double-crop production system (DCPS), by way of more intensive land usage. Despite this potential, DCPS utilization has decreased in Arkansas over the past 10 years, due, in part, to delayed soybean planting. An alternative winter crop with earlier harvest timing than winter wheat could lessen this risk, yet still capitalize on the area's winter crop potential. The objective of this study was to determine the agronomic viability of an energy beet/soybean DCPS in Arkansas. A field study was conducted in Jonesboro, AR from September 2012 to November 2014. Year one of the study showed results that supported the alternative DCPS as viable. However, year two experienced complete crop failure. Despite the success of year one energy beets, complete crop failure of year two energy beets introduces additional risk.