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Using Interseed Rye to Enhance Rainfall Capture in Dryland Cotton Production

John Sij, Jason Ott, David Bordovsky, Brian Olson, and Todd Baughman

ABSTRACT

Rainfall is the most limiting factor in dryland cotton production in the Texas Rolling Plains. Cropping systems that enhance rainfall capture and storage during the season offer the most promise for increased dryland cotton yield. This project was initiated in 2001 to study cropping systems that offer a means to capture limited rainfall other than furrow-diking and at the same time offer seedling cotton protection from blowing sand. Studies were conducted at the Chillicothe Research Station on a Abilene clay loam from 2001-2003. The objectives were to (1) compare rainfall capture and sediment displacement in three cropping systems and (2) determine the effects of five different cropping systems on soil moisture profiles and plant yield response.

In strip-till and no-till plots, two rows of rye were planted each fall between cotton rows. Rye was chemically terminated at 50% heading the following April. Shortly after cotton emergence, soil moisture sensors were placed at 1-foot and 3-foot depths within plots to determine soil moisture extraction profiles over the season. Soil moisture readings were taken weekly until cotton matured. A runoff collection system was installed mid-May to collect rainfall runoff from three systems: conventional, strip-till with inter-seeded rye, and reduced-till with furrow dikes. Sediment load in the runoff was also determined.

The 2001 and 2003 growing season were abnormally dry and hot, whereas the 2002 growing season was more normal with respect to rainfall amount, distribution, and temperature. In 2001, the furrow-diked and the strip-tilled with rye systems were numerically the last to dry out at the 3-ft depth. In 2002, the no-till with rye, strip-till with rye, and furrow-diked systems contained more soil moisture at the 3-ft depth at the end of the growing season than the conventional-till and reduced-till systems. In 2003, soil moisture profiles were similar to those in 2001, but shifted later in the growing season by about two weeks due to late spring rain.

The conventional-till system resulted in the greatest amount of runoff and sediment displacement in 2 of 3 years. Strip-till with interseeded rye resulted in the least amount of runoff and sediment displacement. This system matched the water retention and reduction in sediment displacement capability of the diked system.

Lint yields were not significantly affected by tillage system in 2 of 3 yrs or when averaged over all 3 yrs. Results are encouraging as strip-till with rye and no-till with rye systems require fewer field operations than conventional or diked systems and may result in greater economic returns while providing seedling protection from wind as well as conservation of soil resources.





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Document last modified 04/27/04