Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 12, 2000
Publication Date: N/A
Technical Abstract: Differences in soil water availability appear to be a major cause of crop yield variation within SE Coastal Plain fields. We conducted this experiment in 1997, 1998, and 1999 to determine whether using residue management strategies that increase soil water content could reduce variability for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and fiber properties. Treatments were winter cover (rye and fallow) and tillage (conventional and conservation). Soil types in the field were Norfolk loamy sand, Eunola loamy sand, and Bonneau sand. Large plots (six 1-m-wide rows ranging in length from approximately 120 to 215 m) were used so that each soil type occurred in each plot. Each plot was separated into 15-m-long subplots that were assigned soil type based on a detailed soil map. Two rows were harvested from each subplot, and yield and fiber properties were determined. Differences between tillage and cover crop treatments occurred for yield and some fiber properties. However, lack of interactions between tillage and soil type and cover crop and soil type for any parameter suggests that these residue management techniques may not reduce yield variability of non-irrigated cotton in Coastal Plain fields.