Evaluation of Wheat Stubble Management and Seeding Rates for Cotton Grown Following Wheat Production

Abstract

Growers desiring to maximize productivity of farm land have driven interest in double-cropping cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) following wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. However, the optimum approach for wheat stubble management and cotton seeding rates to achieve optimum cotton yield following wheat production yields is not completely defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate wheat stubble management practices and cotton seeding rates following wheat production. Field research was conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center in Starkville, MS and at the Black Belt Branch Experiment Station near Brooksville, MS. Wheat stubble management techniques included: no-till planting of cotton seed into undisturbed wheat stubble (None); double-disking wheat stubble followed by re-forming beds with a one-pass bedding implement (Re-bed); and burning wheat stubble and planting cotton seed without additional tillage (Burn). Delta and Pineland 0912 B2RF cotton seed was seeded at the following rates (planted seeds ha-1): 49,000; 86,500; 123,500; and 160,500. Generally, as cotton seeding rates increased, percent cotton emergence decreased. Burning wheat stubble prior to planting cotton seed resulted in greater cotton emergence when compared to other wheat stubble management techniques. Cotton height at the end of the season was unaffected by wheat stubble management technique or cotton seeding rate. Cotton yields were highest when wheat stubble was burned and cotton was seeded at 160,500 seeds ha-1. These data suggest that increasing cotton seeding rate and planting cotton seed into burned wheat stubble could increase the success rate of double cropping cotton following wheat.