The cost effectiveness of banded versus broadcast preemergence herbicide application, mechanical cultivation, and directed spraying was evaluated in Alabama cotton production. Banding a tank mixture of Cotoran plus Zorial at planting followed by 1 to 3 timely cultivations generally provided the highest net returns. Broadcast application of Cotoran plus Zorial at planting may be used as a management tool in large acreage operations where timely cultivation of initially planted cotton cannot be applied.