Soil management and fertilizer placement and timing are key factors which affect cotton seedling emergence and survival. Surface soil crusting and subsoil compaction are increasing, risks in getting and keeping a stand. Crusting can be minimized with proper residue management, by including soil-improving crops such as grains in the rotation and with minimum tillage. Subsoil compaction is conducive to the presence of a perched water table which contributes to temporary oxygen deficiency and retarded soil temperature rise in the seedling zone. Remedial measures include subsoiling, limiting traffic lanes, and growing crops with aggressive root systems. Seedling damage by blowing sand can be minimized with grain strip-cropping. Fertilizer salt injury to seedlings can be prevented by judicious fertilizer placement, restricting fertilization to actual nutrient needs, splitting the application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, using nitrification inhibitors and/or avoiding peaked seedbeds. On soils with pH levels near 5.0 and below, liming can correct or prevent manganese and aluminum toxicities and thereby increase seedling vigor and survival.