Narrow-Row Cotton: Present and Future

T.A. Kerby


 
ABSTRACT

There is some level of interest in narrow-row production in all cotton growing states. Texas and California have the most narrow-row acreage and experience. Narrow-row production involves far more than just changing row spacings. It is a completely different production system. This new system is in the process of evolving. It is only partially defined by researchers. However, grower experience is filling in the gaps rapidly. The rewards are substantial when field conditions limit the quantity of vegetative growth. The yield improvement over conventional row spacings under good growing conditions is also high, but not automatic. Under good growing conditions, grower practices have to be modified to achieve good results. These involve practices designed to use more plant resources for fruit growth and less for vegetative growth. Both variety selection and use of plant growth regulators such as Pix play a role. Optimum plant density appears to be related to final plant height. Successful narrow-row production on good soils requires a smaller plant than on normal row spacings, thus the optimum plant density would be higher. Likewise, small vegetative plants with a high boll load are more sensitive to nitrogen (and presumably potassium) levels. Narrow-row production requires a higher level of management ability than normal row spacings, but offers greater rewards.



Reprinted from 1993 Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences pp. 139 - 141
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998