Effects of Different Plant Densities and Planting Configurations on Cotton Yield in South Texas

Due to the ever increasing prices associated with seed and technology, cotton producers in many regions of the Cotton Belt have reduced seeding rates as a means of controlling this input cost. Despite the high cost of seed and technology, many producers in South Texas have not embraced this cost saving tactic, primarily due to real and perceived problems with seedling establishment on heavy clay soils. Additionally, many producers and practitioners are showing interest in “hill-drop” configurations. Studies were conducted in the Upper Gulf Coast and Coastal Bend regions of Texas to evaluate different plant densities and hill-drop patterns on cotton growth and yield.