This paper evaluates the profitability of using different pix application strategies in cotton production in Mississippi. The GOSSYM-COMAX simulation model was used to simulate single and multiple pix application strategies under three different weather scenarios and two soil types. An economic component was developed and integrated into the GOSSYMCOMAX simulation program to determine immediately the economic consequences of different management decisions.

Our results indicate that a single application strategy is superior to multiple applications. Simulated yields using single application were consistently higher than those using multiple applications. Under the normal and hot weather scenarios, the maximum yields were attained with a single application of 24 oz per acre on June 10. Under the cold weather scenario, a single application of 16 oz per acre on June 10 yielded the highest. As multiple applications yielded less and costed more to apply, they were not economical.

The results of economic analysis indicated that, using a single application strategy of 16 oz per acre on June 10, the grower would expect to receive the largest net returns under the normal and cold weather scenarios. Under the hot weather scenario, the grower would expect to receive the largest net return using a single application strategy of 24 oz per acre on June 10. The largest overall expected net return across all weather scenarios would be a single application strategy of 16 oz per acre on June 10. This conclusion is similar to the ones drawn from the simulated yields because the cost differences among different strategies were relatively small.