A study was conducted to obtain preliminary data for irrigation management of cotton in the Mississippi Delta. Data from soil moisture sensors, an atmometer, washtub evaporation pan, Class A evaporation pan, and several models were compared for their ability to determine crop water use and derive soil water status. Soil water potential from Watermark sensors was converted to soil water content by a published characteristic curve of the soil represented by each sensor. The resulting value was compared with soil water status derived in a 30-inch soil zone using the FAO56 crop water use model. The atmometer showed potential as a tool for estimating ET over periods longer than one day, but it lacked sensitivity for manual, daily readings. The washtub evaporation pan gave acceptable readings and could be used to estimate ET with proper calibration. Correlation between data from the atmometer and washtub was acceptable only when data for periods greater than one day were included. Data from the washtub correlated well with data from the Class A pan (r=0.75), having a slope close to one. The washtub will need to be convenient and easy-to-read for the farmer if it is to be adopted for irrigation scheduling. Model- based representations of ET indicated wide variability using data from the Stoneville weather station. However, if a suitable model is evaluated and proper temporal adjustments are applied, model-based ET estimation may be the most feasible of all methods since detailed weather data are readily available in the Delta. For widespread adoption of sensor-based irrigation scheduling methods, wireless transmission of signals and decision support tools may be required.