The goals of short season cotton production may be one of several: Decrease production costs; harvest early to avoid adverse late season weather; or avoid late season pest pressure. One approach has been to decrease the use of nitrogen and water to enhance early termination. Yields have not been maintained and the practice has not been accepted by cotton producers. Where late season insect pressure is heavy it may be accepted.

Another approach to short season cotton production is to decrease the length of time required to produce a crop but maintain or increase yields. Five cultural practices will be discussed in regard to their contribution to earliness and to yield.