Optimizing Irrigation Practices for Cotton Using Sub-Surface Drip and Overhead Irrigation Systems in Georgia

Irrigation in the Southeast has been shown to improve yields and quality of cotton, as this region often encounters episodic drought.  Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) has recently gained interest from growers for its utility in small, odd-shaped fields not suitable for overhead (OVHD) sprinkler irrigation.  Additional benefits of SDI include reduced water losses resulting from drift or evaporation, and the ability to compensate for rainfall which could improve water savings.  The objective of this research was to evaluate growth, yield, and fiber quality responses of both early and late maturing cotton varieties to SDI and OVHD irrigation.