Comparison of Cotton Growth and Development in North Carolina As Influenced By Tillage Systems

Adequate and uniform stand establishment of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) can be difficult when soil is cool and wet.  In years when rainfall in May and June is excessive, stands can be difficult to achieve, especially in reduced tillage cotton.  Planting on raised beds can offer some relief from both of these conditions in certain situations, though many growers have been successful growing no-till or strip-till cotton in most years without a reduction in yield. 

Short term (one growing season) and long term(multiple seasons in same location) tillage studies were conducted from 2014 through 2016 to compare conventional, rip and bed tillage systems to flat, strip-till and no-till systems implemented in the fall and spring.  In addition, two planting dates were included in the short term tillage study to evaluate the impact of tillage systems on early and late planted cotton.  Observed data included soil temperature and moisture at planting; soil penetration resistance both at planting and following harvest; early season crop growth rate at 15, 25, and 35 days after planting in the short term tillage systems; soil moisture content throughout the season in the long term tillage systems; and final yield.