Evaluation of Conservation Tillage Cropping Systems for Cotton on the Texas Southern High Plains

Abstract

The Texas Southern High Plains is a major cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producing region in which a conventional tillage cotton monoculture has evolved during the last 15 yr. Decreased profitability in cotton production in the region, as well as soil erosion concerns, have increased interest in conservation tillage systems. Initial adoption, acceptance, and widespread use of conservation tillage systems will depend on how their economic performance compares with current production practices. In this study, two conservation tillage systems for the Texas Southern High Plains (TSHP) were evaluated in 1986 and 1987 as a means of increasing profitability of cotton. Conservation tillage systems with and without a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover crop were compared with conventional tillage for cotton under both irrigated and dryland conditions. The two conservation tillage systems either irrigated or dryland, increased profitability over current conventional tillage cotton practices used in the Texas Southern High Plains. Cotton production in conservation tillage systems is a viable alternative for the Texas Southern High Plains and its adoption could result in net revenue increases.

Soil: Conservation Practices

“…With irrigation, one solution has been to plant cereal crops, including winter wheat, rye, or oats after cotton harvest exclusively for temporary prevention of wind erosion during the idle period before planting cotton again (Keeling et al, 1989). Cover crops are necessary for erosion control when principal crops produce insufficient or unsuitable residue for more conventional residue management-based erosion control.…”

Yield, Quality, and Spectral Reflectance Responses of Cotton under Subsurface Drip Irrigation

“…They also reported a 5.5% increase in lint yield of no‐till irrigated cotton compared to conventionally tilled irrigated cotton. Several other studies reported beneficial effects of reduced tillage and no‐tillage on soil health with no significant impact on cotton lint yield compared to conventional tillage (Keeling et al, 1989; Bronson et al, 2001; Buman et al, 2005; Pettigrew et al, 2009; DeLaune et al, 2012).…”

North American Soil Degradation: Processes, Practices, and Mitigating Strategies

“…In semiarid regions with limited precipitation or regions with a short growing season, such as in the northern Great Plains, there are fewer opportunities for these crops. For cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) monocultures on the Texas High Plains that generally produce limited residue, Keeling et al [75] introduced a chemically terminated wheat cover crop to control wind erosion. This practice increased mean irrigated cotton lint yield compared with conventional tillage, but establishment of the dryland cotton cash crop or wheat cover crop was problematic despite improved rain infiltration and greater crop water use [76].…”