Nitrogen and Irrigation Management in Cotton Based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index on the Texas High Plains

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of fertility and irrigation management on cotton. Reniform nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis) were a major issue impacting cotton growth and development. Evaluated at Lubbock, Tx in 2018 and 2019, treatments included:

1) 15 lb acre^-1 N applied pre (15-0-0);

2) 15 lb acre^-1 N pre + 30 lb acre^-1 N early + 30 lb acre^-1 N late (75-0-0);

3) 15 lb acre^-1 N pre + 20 lb acre^-1 K pre + 30 lb acre^-1 N early + 30 lb acre^-1 N late (75-0-20K);

4) 15 lb acre^-1 N pre + 60 lb acre^-1 N early + 60 lb acre^-1 N late (135-0-0); and,

5) 15 lb acre^-1 N pre + 40 lb acre^-1 K pre + 60 lb acre^-1 N early + 60 lb acre^-1 N late (135-0-40K).

Discussion of results will include the effect of fertilizer applications, irrigation levels and cotton varieties on reniform nematode incidence. Differences in cotton lint yield and fiber quality due to reniform nematode densities will be determined.