Profitability of Cover Crops for Single and Twin Row Cotton.

PROFITABILITY OF COVER CROPS FOR SINGLE AND TWIN ROW COTTON

Leah M. Duzy, Kipling S. Balkcom, Andrew J. Price, and Ted S. Kornecki, USDA-ARS, Auburn, AL

With the increased interest in cover crops, the impact of adoption on the profitability of cash crops is a common question from producers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the profitability of cover crops for single and twin row cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Alabama. This experiment included a cotton and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) rotation during the 2009-2012 growing season, and was located at Auburn University’s Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, AL on a Fuquay sand (loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Arenic Plinthic Kandiudults). Cotton was grown in 2010 and 2012. The experiment consisted of a randomized complete block design with a split plot restriction. Main plots were cover crops [oat (Avena sativa L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.)]; subplots were N rate applied to cover crops (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg N ha^-1 as commercial fertilizer); and sub-subplots were row pattern (single and twin row pattern). Profitability was defined as net returns above variable treatment costs (NRAVTC) with revenue accounting for differences in ginning percentage and quality attributes. In 2010, there was little difference between treatments; however, in 2012, cotton lint yields and NRAVTC responded positively to cover crops, particularly cereal rye, and single row pattern. Lint yields and NRAVTC for the single row pattern averaged ~8% and 9% higher, respectively, than the twin row pattern.