An evaluation of lint yield, fiber quality, and an economic analysis of upland cotton cultivars

ABSTRACT An Evaluation of Lint Yield, Fiber Quality, and an Economic Analysis of Upland Cotton Cultivars. By MATTHEW K. STROUD, B.S., Texas Tech University (Under the Direction of Thomas Thompson and Craig Bednarz) Water management is a major issue in agriculture production in semi-arid regions such as the High Plains of West Texas. With weather patterns changing from year to year, it is crucial to properly manage irrigation. We observed response functions of multiple irrigation levels on cotton lint yield, fiber quality, and profit. Studies were conducted at Texas Tech University Research farms in Lubbock and New Deal, TX, in 2009 and 2010. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) zones were used to evaluate cotton performance. Irrigation treatments ranged from 0 to 0.60 cm per day in 0.05 cm increments. Rainfall between years and locations affected the relationship between irrigation and lint yield. In 2009, at the Quaker (Lubbock) farm, maximum yield occurred at 0.52 cm day -1, before the highest watering level of 0.60 cm day-1, due to below average rainfall. Rainfall quantity and timing impacted fiber quality parameters including micronaire, length, strength and length uniformity. Yield and profit maximums were reached before the highest watering levels for the Quaker 2009 location. In 2010 data was affected by rainfall events at both locations of over 15 cm during squaring. Immediately before harvest, lint yield was reduced to due to a hail storm. It is crucial to observe many years and types of environments to make solid conclusions or recommendations to producers. 2009 had a below average rainfall, while 2010 had an above average rainfall amount. It is imperative that producers properly manage irrigation based on their given environment.