Reducing Wind and Sand Damage to Cotton Seedlings on the Texas High Plains

J.R. Supak and E.K. Grubaugh


 
ABSTRACT

Sandstorms are a perennial problem in the cotton producing areas of the Texas High Plains. Factors that influence the frequency and extent of damage include wind velocity, soil type, and lack of vegetative cover. Cotton is generally planted by mid-May and is usually subjected to 2 or more exposures of blowing sand. The survival and development of cotton exposed to high winds and blowing sand depends on the use of cultural and mechanical methods to both dissipate the winds' power and leave the soil surface in condition to withstand periods of high wind without erosion. Following a severe sandstorm, producers often have to decide if a damaged crop should be saved or replanted. Such decisions should consider the percent survival, level of injury to surviving plants, stage of development, and date of injury.



Reprinted from 1985 Proceedings: Beltwide Cotton Production Research Conferences pp. 293 - 295
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998