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.