Real-Time, Variable-Depth Tillage for Managing Soil Compaction in Cotton Production

Cotton root growth is often hindered in the Southeastern U.S. due to the presence of root-restricting soil layers. Tillage must be used to temporarily remove this compacted soil layer to allow root growth to depths needed to sustain plants during periods of drought. However, the use of a uniform depth of tillage may be an inefficient use of energy due to the varying depth of this root-restricting layer. Therefore, the objectives of this project was 1) to develop and test equipment for controlling tillage depth “on-the-go” to match soil physical parameters; and 2) to determine the effects of site-specific tillage on soil physical properties, energy requirements, and plant responses in cotton production. This presentation will cover the results of this project conducted during 2016 & 2017.