Cotton Production Systems in a Changing Texas High Plains Environment

The objective of this study was to evaluate total water use and crop response in production systems where non-traditional, deep-rooted biomass crops are grown in rotation with cotton in the Texas High Plains.  In 2011, a cotton-biomass cropping system was established using safflower, sunflower and two varieties of forage sorghum under three irrigation levels. The crops were planted on 9.3 hectares (23 acres) equipped with a center pivot LEPA irrigation system.  First year data, including total water use, water use efficiency, crop yield and quality, nutrient use, and pest and disease pressures for each crop will be discussed.