Survey of Durum Production Practices, 2005

Abstract

Durum growers were surveyed in cooperation with the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service to determine production practices and their effects on yield and protein in the 2005 growing season. The survey was conducted in two regions: West (Yuma and La Paz counties) and Central (Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties). These two regions represent about 95% of the durum acreage. We obtained responses from 97 out of an estimated 195 durum growers (50%) representing 42,920 out of 75,400 acres (57%). Durum was grown following cotton (38%), lettuce (24%), vegetables (21%), or other crops. The predominant soil texture was a sandy loam (42%), followed by sandy clay loam (31%) and clay loam (21%). Herbicide was applied on 57% of the acreage. The major varieties were Kronos (21%), Alamo (16%), and Orita (16%). Level basin irrigation accounted for 52% of the acreage, followed by border flood (36%), and furrow (12%). The crop was typically irrigated 6 to 7 times. The average planting date (irrigation applied) was December 28 in the Central region and January 14 in the West region. The seed was planted at an average rate of 167 lbs/acre. Phosphorus was applied to only a third of the acreage, but when it was applied, the rate averaged 71 lbs P2O5/acre. Nitrogen rate averaged 213 lbs N/acre. Increased yield was associated with previous crops other than cotton, certain varieties, level basin irrigation, early planting in the Central region, a seeding rate between 140 and 160 lbs N per acre, N rate between 100 and 200 lbs N per acre, and an irrigation number of less than six in the West and seven in the Central Region. Grain protein was associated with varieties. This survey documents associations, not cause-and-effect relationships, among durum production practices, yield, and protein.