Effects of Supplemental Irrigation and Nitrogen On Cotton Yield and Fiber Quality

Effects of supplemental irrigation on cotton yield and fiber quality were investigated in the Mississippi Delta during two growing seasons. Cotton was planted in 48 experimental plots with irrigated and non-irrigated treatments. Irrigation was scheduled based on soil-moisture content measured using soil-water sensors. Cotton was harvested with a spindle-type cotton harvester. The yield in each plot was determined using a load-cell scale on a boll buggy. Seed cotton samples were ginned at the USDA-ARS Cotton Ginning Research Unit at Stoneville, MS and the fiber quality was evaluated. Results of the statistic analyses on the effects of irrigation on the yield and fiber quality will be reported in this paper.