Water use, yield and fiber quality response of six upland cotton cultivars to irrigation

Authors: Schwartz, Robert; Witt, Travis; Ulloa, Mauricio; Colaizzi, Paul; Baumhardt, Roland - Louis

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2020
Publication Date: 5/10/2020
Citation: Schwartz, R.C., Witt, T.W., Ulloa, M., Colaizzi, P.D., Baumhardt, R.L. 2020. Water use, yield and fiber quality response of six upland cotton cultivars to irrigation. In: Proceedings of National Cotton Council 2020 Beltwide Cotton Conference. 2020 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, January 8-10, 2020, Austin, Texas. Paper No. 19524.

Interpretive Summary: The declining saturated thickness of the Ogallala Aquifer and associated water availability for agriculture in the North Texas High Plains has increased production risks for producers. Producers are seeking alternate crops in this region that could reduce water consumption. Cotton has a similar profit potential as corn but with lower water requirements. However, the North Texas High Plains is considered marginal for cotton production because of the short growing season and cooler climate. In this region, cultivar selection and irrigation management are crucial for optimizing cotton lint yield and fiber quality. A field study examined the lint yield and fiber quality response of six early to medium maturity upland cotton cultivars to irrigation. In 2016, irrigation did not significantly increase lint yield because of cool weather during the growing season that delayed maturity. In 2018, lint yield increased markedly with irrigation level. Fiber quality was significantly influenced by cultivar. Generally, irrigation improved most fiber quality properties of the six commercial upland cotton cultivars examined. Lint yields exceeding 1500 lbs./acre were attainable at full irrigation, although most growing seasons in this region are too cold to support this yield level. Both the selection of a suitable cultivar and the management of irrigation are necessary to optimize water productivity in this region.

Technical Abstract: Cotton (Gossypium spp.) cultivars that can use water more efficiently and sustain yield and fiber quality under water stress in thermally limited environments is essential for sustainable cotton production in the North Texas High Plains. A field study examined the lint yield, yield component, and fiber quality response of six early to medium maturity upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.) cultivars to four irrigation rates during two growing seasons. Crop water use was estimated using soil water balance in conjunction with measurements of root zone soil water, precipitation, and irrigation depths. Hand-harvested seed cotton was ginned to determine lint yield and fiber quality using standard procedures. Profile water use and rooting depth did not vary with cultivar. In both years, cultivar significantly influenced lint yield. In 2016, irrigation did not significantly increase lint yield because of slow accumulation of thermal energy during the growing season that delayed maturity. In 2018, irrigation significantly increased lint yield for all cultivars. Fiber quality was significantly influenced by cultivar. Irrigation level also significantly influenced most fiber quality properties, with micronaire and fiber length exhibiting the greatest response to irrigation. Lint yields exceeding 1500 lbs. acre-1 were attainable at full irrigation, although accumulation of the required thermal energy is likely inadequate in most growing seasons in this environment. Both the selection of a suitable cultivar and the management of irrigation level to match accumulated thermal energy are necessary to optimize water productivity in this region.