Comparative Growth and Yield of Cotton at Various Planting Densities

Due to 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 input costs.  Despite the high cost of seed and technology, many producers along the Texas Gulf Coast have not embraced this cost saving tactic, primarily due to real and perceived problems with seedling establishment on heavy clay soils.  This study was conducted in Wharton County located in the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas.  The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different plant densities on cotton growth and yield.   Treatments consisted of three treatments (T):  T1-two seed/ft; T2-four seed/ft; and T3-six seed/ft.  Final plant densities for the three treatments were:  T1-1.7 seed/ft; T2-3.2 seed/ft; and T3-4.6 seed/ft.  Plots were 12 rows wide x 1267 ft. in length on 40-inch centers and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications.  Plots were harvested with a commercial cotton picker and seed cotton weights were determined with a cotton weigh wagon.  Seed-cotton samples were collected from each plot for ginning and classing.  Results showed no difference in yield among the three treatments.  The mean lint yield for the study was 657 lbs./acre.  No differences were observed for gin turnout, boll weight, seed index, and for any of the fiber quality parameters.  Number of days to cutout (NAWF=5) was significantly higher for the two seed/ft treatment when compared to the other two treatments.