Nitrogen and Irrigation Requirements of Cotton in a Sod-Based Rotation

Cotton grown after peanuts after two years of bahiagrass had higher soil organic matter resulting in higher amounts of total nitrogen in the soil as well as more moisture available for cotton growth as compared to annual cover crops using conservation technology.  This study shows that soil improvements can lower nitrogen applications as well as water requirements from irrigation by 50% or more when deep rooted perennial grasses such as bahiagrass are in rotation with cotton and other row crops.  Cattle can add a further significant improvement to recyclying nutrients and a subsequent reduction in nitrogen application for cotton grown in this rotation.  Specifics of the study will be discussed in the presentation.