Growth and Yield Data for the Bushland, Texas Alfalfa Datasets

This dataset consists of growth and yield data for each year when alfalfa was grown at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Laboratory (CPRL), Soil and Water Management Research Unit (SWMRU) research weather station, Bushland, Texas (Lat. 35.186714°, Long. -102.094189°, elevation 1170 m above MSL). Alfalfa was grown on two large, precision weighing lysimeters, each in the center of a 4.44 ha square field. The two square fields were themselves arranged with one directly north of and contiguous with the other. The two fields and lysimeters within each field were designated northeast (NE), and southeast (SE). Irrigation was by linear move sprinkler system in autumn 1995 when the alfalfa was planted through 1999. Irrigations were managed to replenish soil water used by the crop on a weekly or more frequent basis as determined by soil profile water content readings made with a neutron probe to 2.4-m depth in the field. The growth and yield data include height, leaf area index, growth stage, total above-ground biomass, leaf and stem biomass, and final yield. Data are from replicate samples in the field and non-destructive (except for harvest) measurements on the weighing lysimeters. In most cases yield data are available from both manual sampling on replicate plots in each field and from machine harvest. These datasets originate from research aimed at determining crop water use (ET), crop coefficients for use in ET-based irrigation scheduling based on a reference ET, crop growth, yield, harvest index, and crop water productivity as affected by irrigation method, timing, amount (full or some degree of deficit), agronomic practices, cultivar, and weather. Prior publications have focused on alfalfa ET, comparisons with "tall crop" reference ET, crop coefficients, and crop water productivity. Crop coefficients have been used by ET networks. The data have utility for testing simulation models of crop ET, growth, and yield, and for studies of reference ET methods.

Resources in this dataset:

• Resource Title: 1999 Bushland, TX, east alfalfa growth and yield data. File Name: 1999_alfalfa_plantgrowth&_yield.xlsx. Resource Description: This dataset consists of growth and yield data the 1999 season when alfalfa was grown at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Laboratory (CPRL), Soil and Water Management Research Unit (SWMRU) research weather station, Bushland, Texas (Lat. 35.186714°, Long. -102.094189°, elevation 1170 m above MSL). Alfalfa was grown on two large, precision weighing lysimeters, each in the center of a 4.44 ha square field. The two square fields were themselves arranged with one directly north of and contiguous with the other. Fields and lysimeters within each field were designated northeast (NE), and southeast (SE). Irrigation was by linear move sprinkler system. Irrigations were managed to replenish soil water used by the crop on a weekly or more frequent basis as determined by soil profile water content readings made with a neutron probe to 2.4-m depth in the field. Irrigation management resulted in the crop being well watered and meeting reference “tall crop” conditions during periods before harvests. The growth and yield data include plant height, leaf area index, growth stage, total above-ground biomass, leaf and stem biomass, and final yield. Data are from replicate samples in the field and non-destructive (except for final harvest) measurements on the weighing lysimeters. In most cases yield data are available from both manual sampling on replicate plots in each field and from machine harvest. There is a single spreadsheet for the east (NE and SE) lysimeters and fields. The spreadsheets contain tabs for data and corresponding tabs for data dictionaries. Typically, there are separate data tabs and corresponding dictionaries for plant growth during the season, crop growth stage, plant population, manual harvest from replicate plots in each field and from lysimeter surfaces, and machine (combine) harvest. An Introduction tab explains the tab names and contents, lists the authors, explains conventions, and lists some relevant references.

• Resource Title: 1998 Bushland, TX, east alfalfa growth and yield data. File Name: 1998_alfalfa_plantgrowth&_yield.xlsx. Resource Description: As described above, for 1998 season.

• Resource Title: 1997 Bushland, TX, east alfalfa growth and yield data. File Name: 1997_alfalfa_plantgrowth&_yield.xlsx. Resource Description: As described above, for 1997 season.

• Resource Title: 1996 Bushland, TX, east alfalfa growth and yield data. File Name: 1996_alfalfa_plantgrowth&_yield.xlsx. Resource Description: As described above, for 1996 season.