Conservation practices such as conservation tillage (no-till, ridge-till, and mulchtill) and winter cover crops are effective in reducing soil erosion, maintaining soil productivity, and reducing pollution of surface waters. Conservation tillage systems provide an opportunity to reduce costs for labor, machinery, equipment, and fuel. However, savings in these areas are often offset by increased cost for herbicides and insecticides. With efficient management, however, yields and profitability of cotton in conservation tillage systems are usually similar to conventional tillage systems.

Cotton yields and erosion control are usually enhanced by winter cover crops due to improved physical condition of the soil and moisture conservation. Small grain cover crops such as wheat and rye are often preferred over legumes for no-till planting because of lower establishment cost, lower cost for preplant herbicides, slower residue decomposition rates, and better cotton stands. Attaining acceptable cotton stands is favored by terminating all vegetation at least three weeks before planting to conserve soil moisture and reduce the risk of stand damage from cutworms and other pests. Planting on raised beds is also useful for improved drainage, early soil warming, and earlier planting.

Weed control in conservation tillage requires more intensive management than conventional tillage and is often the most important factor in determining the success of these systems. Many herbicide options are available for managing weeds and winter cover crops in conservation tillage systems. Careful selection of the proper materials, rates, and timing of application is necessary for effective and economical weed control.