Multidimensional Quality Attributes and Input Use in Cotton

In this paper, we propose an activity analysis model to study optimal use of water and nitrogen inputs, taking full account of lint yield and quality as well as landscape characteristics of the field. We develop an aggregate measure of quality using a primal representation of multiple output technology based on the directional distance function. This method permits us to examine whether a trade off exists between quality and yield. In addition, the model allows us to measure site-specific input use efficiency and examine the relationship between efficiency and landscape characteristics of the field. We apply the model to a dataset derived from a three-year experiment in a 48-ha center pivot field in a terminated-rye conservation tillage cotton system.