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Variable Row Spacing of Irrigated Cotton as a Means for Reducing Production Costs and Conserving Water

Results of 3 years' field studies of a new irrigated cotton row spacing pattern are reported. This new pattern, called Variable Row Spacing (V.R.S.), consisted of alternate wide (1.37 m) and narrow (0.66 m) rows with furrows only between the 0.66-ni rows. Purpose of the new pattern was to conserve water and reduce production costs. Tests on both sloping and level irrigation systems are reported. The V.R.S. system was shown to be effective in maintaining yields while simultaneously presenting opportunity for reducing production costs through application of less water per irrigation, reductions in evaporation, more efficient utilization of applied water, more effective weed control, and earlier maturity of the crop. A partial skip-row effect was believed to be obtained without skipping any rows. Chief obstacle to adoption of the new system by growers has been inability of commercial spindle pickers to harvest the variable row spacing pattern.

Key Words: irrigation water management • cotton production • cotton plant populations

² Assocaite professor of agronomy, associate agronomist, and agricultural research coordinator, Trans-Pecos area, Texas Agr. Exp. Sta., El Paso 49927.

Received for publication June 10, 1968.