Residual Impact of Tall Fescue on Corn, Cotton, and Peanut Yield

CORE IDEAS: Sod‐based rotations can impact yield of agronomic crops for numerous years after termination. Peanut yield can be affected by length of rotation irrespective of land use. Crop response to previous land use can be influenced by weather patterns. Sod‐based rotations can improve soil characteristics and increase yield of agronomic crops in succeeding years compared with continuous agronomic crops. Research with sod‐based systems in North Carolina is limited, especially with respect to peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) response. Research was conducted to determine the residual impact of endophyte‐free tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix Scop.) on yield of corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), peanut, and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planted in subsequent years. Tall fescue and agronomic crops including corn and cotton in rotation were grown in separate plots from 2004 to 2008 at two locations in North Carolina. In 2009, corn, cotton, peanut, and soybean were planted following tall fescue and agronomic crops. Corn (2010 and 2011), cotton (2012), and peanut (2013) yields were determined when planted behind each of the rotations from 2004 to 2008 and crops planted during 2009. Corn, peanut, and soybean yields in 2009 were not affected by land use of tall fescue compared with rotation with agronomic crops; cotton yield was higher after tall fescue. Corn yield in 2010 and 2011 and peanut yield during 2013 were greater following tall fescue from 2004 to 2008 compared with yield after cotton and corn in rotation. Cotton yield did not differ in 2012 regardless of land use from 2004 to 2008. Corn (2010 and 2011) and cotton yields were not affected by rotation crop during 2009; peanut yield in 2013 was greater following 2009 plantings of corn, cotton, or soybean compared with peanut. These results indicate that tall fescue–based systems can extend their positive impact on corn and peanut.