ARS | Publication request: Cotton yields in conventioanl and conservation tillage systems under different irrigation levels

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: January 9, 2004
Publication Date: January 9, 2004
Citation: Balkcom, K.S., Rowland, D., Lamb, M.C. 2004. Cotton yields in conventional and conservation tillage systems under different irrigation levels. In: Richter, D.F., editor. Proceedings of the National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference, January 5-9, 2004, San Antonio, Texas. p. 2599-2602.

Interpretive Summary: Cotton producers in southwest Georgia that irrigate from surface water sources were required to participate in drought auctions during 2001 and 2002. In the fall of 2001, a study was set up to determine optimal application amounts of irrigation for conventional and conservation tillage systems to maximize yields and conserve water. Cotton stand counts and lint yields were measured in three tillage systems (conventional, narrow strip tillage, and wide strip tillage) within four irrigation levels, near Dawson, GA. First year results indicated cotton stand counts were highest in conventional tillage plots. Narrow strip tillage plots produced higher stand counts than wide strip tillage plots. However, lint yields were higher in both conservation tillage systems compared to conventional tillage system within all irrigation levels. Narrow strip tillage yields were greater than wide strip tillage yields for two irrigation levels (33% and 100%). Continuing this research to include multiple weather environments, will verify if differences between conventional and conservation tillage systems exist under limiting water environments.

Technical Abstract: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producers in southwest Georgia that irrigate from surface water sources were required to participate in drought auctions during 2001 and 2002. In the fall of 2001, a study was initiated to determine optimal application amounts of irrigation for conventional and conservation tillage systems to maximize yields and conserve water. Cotton stand counts and lint yields were measured in three tillage systems (conventional, narrow strip tillage, and wide strip tillage) within four irrigation levels, on a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudults) near Dawson, GA. First year results indicated cotton stand counts were highest for conventional tillage. Narrow strip tillage produced higher stand counts than wide strip tillage. However, lint yields were higher in both conservation tillage systems compared to conventional tillage within all irrigation levels. Narrow strip tillage was superior to wide strip tillage for two irrigation levels (33% and 100%). Continuing this research should encompass multiple weather environments, to verify if differences between conventional and conservation tillage systems exist under limiting water environments.