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Irrigation Schedules for Alluvial Soils in Louisiana

S.S. Hague, R.L. Hutchinson, A.B. Coco and J.W. Branch, Jr.


ABSTRACT

Irrigation in Northeast Louisiana cotton production is a tool that can enhance production if properly managed. This study was conducted to determine irrigation scheduling methods that optimize lint yield and fiber properties, and to evaluate water use efficiencies of various irrigation schedules. Tests near St. Joseph, La., were conducted in 2000 and 2001 on two alluvial soils, Commerce silt loam and Sharkey clay. Scheduling methods included the Arkansas Irrigation Scheduler at 2-inch and 3-inch soil-moisture deficits, a 1.5-inch water budget with 0.22-in. daily use, and tensiometers set at 10-inches with irrigation triggered at –0.75 bars. In 2000, all irrigation schedules resulted in significantly higher yields than non-irrigated plants, but with no significant yield differences among irrigated treatments. In 2001, one of the experiments on Sharkey clay resulted in significantly higher lint yields with schedules that maintained low soil-moisture deficits in comparison to a schedule with a higher soil-moisture deficit. In other experiments on Sharkey clay and Commerce silt loam, there were no significant lint yield differences among treatments. Total water use efficiency (WUE) was better in 2000 than in 2001. Ineffective storage and utilization of abundant rainfall in 2001 caused the inefficiencies; however, irrigation WUE was similar between years. Schedules with the fewest irrigation applications provided the highest lint yields and the greatest WUE. Timely irrigation, as well as improved engineering and agronomic techniques, provide the best opportunities for conserving water and optimizing yield in Northeast Louisiana cotton production on alluvial soils.





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Document last modified May 20, 2002