Previous research illustrates the benefits of including legumes in rotation with non-leguminous crops. Nitrogen (N) supplied by a summer legume cash crop could contribute impact N requirements for succeeding crops. This study examined the N contribution of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) residues to a rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop and subsequent cotton (Gossypium hirsitum L.) crop in a conservation system on a Dothan sandy loam (Fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults). A split plot treatment structure in a randomized complete block design, with main plots as peanut residue retained or removed from the soil surface, and subplots as N application rates (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg ha-1). In-season N uptake by rye and cotton varied across N rates. Rye biomass and N uptake, seed cotton yields, cotton N uptake, or cotton dry weights were not affected by peanut residue. These results indicate that peanut residue does not contribute N to succeeding crops, however, retaining residue on the soil surface can provide other benefits to soils in the southeastern US.
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