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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #420316
Research Project: Agronomic and Engineering Solutions for Conventional and Organic Conservation Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern U.S.

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Influence of cover crop residue management and nutrient types on cotton growth and yield

Author
item Kichler, Corey
item Watts, Dexter
item Torbert Iii, Henry
item Kornecki, Ted
item PRASAD, RISHI - Auburn University

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/12/2024
Publication Date: 11/12/2024
Citation: Kichler, C.M., Watts, D.B., Torbert III, H.A., Kornecki, T.S., Prasad, R. 2024. Influence of cover crop residue management and nutrient types on cotton growth and yield [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy; San Antonio TX, November 10-13, 2024.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fluctuating commercial fertilizer prices have persuaded farmers to consider alternative sources for crop nutrition, such as poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus) manure, along with how to manage cover crops to maximize profits without sacrificing yield. An experiment was initiated in the fall of 2021 to evaluate the growth and yield of cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.) under different cover crop residue management techniques and nutrient combinations. Rye (Secale cereale L.) residue was managed with three different methods including mowing (MOW), rolling/crimping (ROLL), and mowing plus tillage (MowIncorp). Different nutrient regimens were implemented for the cotton crop to provide 101 kg N ha-1. The nutrient combinations included 101 kg N ha-1 with poultry litter (PL), 67 kg N ha-1 poultry litter plus 33 kg N ha-1 urea ammonium nitrate (PLUAN), 33 kg N ha-1granular fertilizer plus 67 kg N ha-1 urea ammonium nitrate (FERT), and a no-nutrient control (NONE). The nutrient treatments had more influence on cotton growth than cover crop management. Significantly taller cotton plants were observed for all treatments receiving nutrients but were greatest for the FERT treatment in 2022 and for both the FERT and PLUAN treatments in 2023. Total cotton bolls ha-1 were greatest for the FERT and PLUAN treatments in 2022 and in 2023; no differences were observed among treatments receiving nutrients but the NONE treatment had the lowest amount for both years. Results indicate that in 2022, cotton yield was not affected by cover crop management methods with an average of 1980 kg ha-1 seed cotton. However, the MowIncorp treatment in 2023 was significantly lower at 2299.7 kg ha-1 compared to 3099.1 kg ha-1 (ROLL) and 2893.9 kg ha-1 (MOW). Yield for across nutrient treatments were similar for both seasons and significantly higher than NONE showing that any combination of nutrients can be used without yield penalty.