Tillage Systems and Irrigation Strategies for SDI Cotton Production in the Texas Rolling Plains

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Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is the most efficient water delivery system to roots of plants, producing crop yields equal to or greater than other irrigation methods and, in many cases, requiring less water and improved water-use efficiencies. There is limited information of using no-till and conservation tillage with terminated cover crops in an SDI system.  The objective of this research is to develop conservation tillage and water management strategies that enhance crop stand establishment, water-use efficiency, and yield in SDI cotton production in the Rolling Plains.  Treatments will include 5 irrigation regimes [0, 33, 66, 100, 133% evapotranspiration (ET) replacement] and 4 tillage systems [conventional-till (bedded). conventional reduced-till (flat planted), no-till, and no-till in a terminated cover crop].  There were obvious visual differences in plant development among irrigation treatments, but less so among tillage treatments.  Plant height in the 133% ET replacement treatment was similar to that from the 100% ET treatment.  Boll counts ranged from 10 bolls/ft in the 0% ET replacement treatment to 23 bolls/ft in the 133% ET replacement treatment.  Final yield and lint quality will be determined as well as water-use efficiency.