Cotton Irrigation Management Based on Soil Moisture and Phenotyping.

Cotton is an indeterminate plant with a complex growth habit. Irrigation management can have dramatic effects on the growth habits of the crop. During the past four years, we have studied soil moisture, in-season plant growth, and final yield and boll distribution on plants based on several irrigation methods and rates. This research has culminated in several observations on cotton management in the Texas High Plains. First, early season irrigation can be limited in most situations, producing a compact, high yield crop. Water deficit during mid-season and late season have negative effects on both yield and fiber quality. Cotton interactions with irrigation management regimes are cultivar-specific. Finally, soil moisture withdrawal by cotton has differing effects based on irrigation level.