Fertilitv
PROBLEM: Fertilization problems in Florida include the need to apply high levels of N nd K additionally, micronutrient deficiencies may exist. There is a need to determine the most economical time and rate of application of N d K many new crops appearing in the region. Recommendations for traditional crops may also be uneconomical and perhaps could be changed.
ALTERNATIVES: Instead of recommending fertilization practices which achieved the highest yield, research was focused upon determining fertilization practices more in line with the region's biophysical constraints and farmers' capital and managerial limitations. Work has involved examining major elements (N, P, K, S) as well as micronutrients (particularly Mn, Zn).
FSR/E Related Research: wheat fertilization trials -- timing of N and K application, micronutrient trials; wheat-soybean doublecrop fertilization trials; wheat N and K rate trials; nutrient recycling and small grain overseeding in perennial peanut and recently initiated work with hairy indigo.
Need for Forage Croos
PROBLEM: Forage costs continue to rise in the region, related to fertilizer expenses. In the typical cow-calf operation forage is the major expense.
ALTERNATIVES: High quality but low cost forages are desired. There have been two alternatives researched: 1) forages and forage systems that additionally provide a grain crop; 2) forages that do not yield grain but are very low cost once established.
FSR/E Related Research: 1) winter wheat; small grains overseeded into perennial peanut; winter grain variety trials 2) perennial peanut; 3). overseeding trials into grass pastures
4.) hairy indigo grass mixed pasture.
OTHER ALTERNATIVES
The biophysical and economic *marginality* of the research
region severely affects agriculture. Yet the economic and
social importance of farming to the local economies is
significant. We can expect farmers to employ a variety of
strategies in trying to maintain a farmstead, from exploring new
crop alternatives to reducing expenses wherever possible to