The History of Blackland Research Center

The Blackland Experiment Station, Substation No. 5, was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1909 and was established at Temple to conduct research on varied soil and crop problems, with special attention to the control of cotton root rot.

The station was moved in 1927 to its present site of 542 acres on the southeast edge of Temple in the south-central part of the Blackland Prairies of Texas. Soil and water research was begun in 1931 in cooperation with the USDA Soil Conservation Service. Hybrid corn breeding became an important function in 1927, and beef cattle grazing and feeding research in 1937.

Field research units of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and cooperating agencies.

Increasing attention has been given to evaluating weather in relation to crop performance and conservation. Mechanization for all major crops, especially cotton, has been a research activity on the Blackland Station during the past 10 years. Field scale application of improved farming practices has provided the final testing of detailed research results and has served to demonstrate new information and methods to farmers and to other groups or agencies.

Most of the research is conducted in cooperation with the Soil and Water Conservation Division of the Agricultural Research Service, USDA, and with other substations and departments of the A&M College of Texas.

Weather records collected on this station for almost a half century provide many clues to farming progress. Research is directed toward lessening weather hazards and taking advantage of desirable weather characteristics. Early-maturing, spring-pIanted crops are benefited by dependable moisture in May. Severe summer drouth must be avoided or tolerated by any crop.

Summer rainfall increases cotton root rot. Inconsistent rainfall in the fall requires feed reserves for wintering livestock. Johnsongrass and weeds are controlled by proper timing of operations in relation to weather. The use of water by winter cover crops creates hazards for succeeding warm-season crops to be planted in the spring. Control of weeds and crop regrowth is essential for maximum storage of subsoil moisture.

Erosion control usually is adequate only when land is protected during May storms. Soil shrinkage and cracking because of drying is a primary factor in the control of runoff. Blacklands soil puddles or packs easily when wet, and becomes difficult to work.

Phosphorus and nitrogen are the primary fertilizer needs in the Blacklands. Total phosphorus content of Blackland soils is medium, but the rate of availability often is inadequate for maximum crop production. Banded applications of 30 to 60 pounds of phosphoric acid per acre, as superphosphate, have increased yields in many tests, especially in combination with about 30 pounds of nitrogen. The need for nitrogen is closely related to moisture and temperature and to the previous crop.

Natural soil structure varies with original soil characteristics and with management. Shrinkage, swelling, cracking and stickiness are outstanding in the structure of Blacklands soils.

A variety of old methods of characterizing soil structure have been tested or modified and new methods are being developed with emphasis on the importance of moisture content and volume changes.

Research since 1931 has provided factual results which have served for many principles and practices in soil and water conservation. Present studies are conducted on terraces, small plots and field scale plots to evaluate cropping systems, crop residues and improved control practices, as well as to determine erosion tolerances for different soils.

Soil and water losses are held to a minimum by grass alone or with sweetclover. Small grains alone or with sweetclover are outstanding for the protection of sloping land during April and May when the most serious losses occur on cultivated land. Grain sorghum offers more promise for erosion control on sloping land than corn or cotton, especially when residues are managed on the surface. Soil cracks have proved effective in preventing runoff during any season.

Soil moisture loss by evaporation is probably greater than is generally realized. The relatively high year-around temperatures (average 67 F.) and wind movement (4,511 miles per month) provide good drying conditions all year. Open pan evaporation has averaged 58.4 inches annually as compared with the annual rainfall of 34.4 inches. Shrinkage cracks expose considerable "hidden soil surface." Cracks 3 to 4 inches wide at the top and 24 to 40 inches deep are not unusual during prolonged dry periods. Recent field measurements have shown from 2.9 to 4.6 times more surface area of soil exposed on the walls of the shrinkage crack than surface soil in an area of one square yard. Field and laboratory measurements have shown that the evaporation rate in shrinkage cracks is 50 to 60 percent of that from surface soil. It is estimated that evaporation from shrinkage cracks would be 1.5 to 2.0 times greater than from the surface soil.

Parallel-type terraces in the Blacklands mean fewer point rows, reduced erosion between terraces and less concentration of water at outlets. More grassed waterways, shorter terrace lengths and more smoothing of the land surface are requirements which sometimes may be costly. Improved terraces, diversions and outlets are being tested under experimental field conditions.

Two types of cotton are planted in the Blacklands area, the open boll type and the storm proof type. Much cotton in this area is the storm proof type which can be harvested with a mechanical stripper.

Several factors must be considered in deciding when to plant cotton. A good rule is to plant anytime after April 10 when the average soil temperature at planting depth is close to 70 F.

For stripper harvesting and highest yields, spacing plants 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 40 inches apart is recommended.

Acknowledgement: A special thanks to Charlie Tischler (USDA-ARS) for providing these documents.

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April 16, 1997
Dr. Dennis Hoffman, Project Leader
Steve Dagitz, Webmaster