| Autor: |
Robertson, William C., Groves, Frank E., Hogan, Robert, Espinoza, Leo, Ismanov, Mukhammadzakhrab, Franks, Robin |
| Zdroj: |
Proceedings of the Beltwide Cotton Conferences; 2007, p125-128, 4p, 3 Charts, 1 Graph |
| Abstrakt: |
Drip irrigation of cotton is increasing throughout the United States particularly in the West. A major benefit of drip is the ability to apply small amounts of water at high frequency intervals. This provides the opportunity to maintain the soil moisture at a specified moisture deficit. This is particularly beneficial in areas of the Mid-South with soils that have shallow rooting potentials. However, significant rainfall and cloudy days received in the Mid-South present challenges for cotton production using drip irrigation that are not experienced in the West. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and development of cotton grown under dryland, furrow, and low pressure drip irrigation systems in Arkansas and to compare revenue and expenses associated with each system using partial budget analysis. A thirteen acre field located on the Cotton Branch Experiment Station located near Marianna, Arkansas was utilized for this study. The drip irrigation, furrow irrigation, and dryland plots are arranged in a complete randomized design with four replications. The drip tape was installed to the side of each row. DP444BG/RR was planted May 16, 2005 into the silt loam study area utilizing no-till best management practices. The University of Arkansas irrigation scheduling program was used to trigger furrow irrigations. Daily potential evapotranspiration and crop coefficients were used to trigger drip timings and rates. Cultural practices were tracked throughout the season. Partial budget analysis was utilized to compare differences in expenses for both irrigated methods compared to the dryland plots. Irrigation rates and timings varied. A total of 9.54 inches of water was applied to the furrow irrigated plots in six events. The drip received a total of 8.20 inches in 32 irrigation events. Fertilizer applications for the dryland plots totaled 70-0-0 in a single knife application. An additional 50 units N was applied to the furrow plots for a total of 120-0-0 in a single knife application. The fertility program for the drip consisted of 130-0-120. A lint yield advantage of 216 lb/A was observed with the furrow irrigation over that of the dryland. An additional 561 lb lint/A was produced with the drip over that of the furrow irrigation. Fiber quality did not differ significantly between irrigation treatments. When comparing the net of partial total expenses, the drip is at an advantage over the dryland and furrow-irrigated treatments, $71.61 and $56.32, respectively. The ability to consistently replicate these results will likely result in an increase in utilization of drip-irrigation in the Mid-South as seen in other areas of the Cotton Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Supplemental Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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