Rotational Effects in Oklahoma Peanut Production: Prospects for Peanut Rotations in the Post‐Quota Era

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 greatly impacted the southwest (SW) peanut (Arachis hypogaea) growing region. Due to decreased market prices, peanut has lost favor in crop rotations to other crops such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Before 2002, a 12‐yr peanut rotation study was conducted in Oklahoma to investigate the agronomic benefits and economics of rotating peanut with corn (Zea mays L.), cotton, and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Eight rotations were evaluated in 2‐ and 3‐yr intervals. Incidence of disease, yield, and economic profit were evaluated each year. Twelve years of data indicated rotating peanut every third year with either corn or cotton increased peanut pod yield by 520 and 490 kg ha−1, respectively, compared with the continuous peanut rotation. Two‐year rotations of peanut with corn, cotton, or sorghum performed no better than the peanut monoculture. Economic analysis indicates that, even with the removal of the peanut quota system in 2000 and a 50% reduction in peanut prices, the peanut monoculture would still remain the most profitable choice for farmers, generating economic returns of $411 ha−1, but would not be recommended due to increase in disease pressure. Recent increases in cotton yield indicate that a peanut‐cotton rotation is the best rotation for southwest producers.