Project Number: 6612-61660-002-13
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 06, 2007
End Date: Dec 31, 2008

Objective:
The objective is to determine how field scale soil variability and cotton seeding rates interact to influence cotton production and to determine if these effects are consistent across three cotton varieties.

Approach:
The research will be conducted on the Ruark Farm field located at the intersection of GA Hwy 83 and High Shoals Road just north of Bostwick. Three varieties of cotton (DP494, DP455, and Stoneville) will be planted at three seeding rates in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Spatial variability of soils will be determined by measuring soil electrical conductivity, total C and N, soil color, and soil texture. Yield will be measured with a cotton picker equipped with yield monitor and GPS for spatial determination of yield. Cotton lint quality will also be evaluated. Yield and soil map data will be combined for spatial determination of interactions among varieties and seeding rates. The study will be repeated in 2007 and 2008 with the same varieties, seeding rates, etc. Outcomes of the research will be recommendations for adjusting seeding rates based on soil variability and a better understanding of how soil properties interact to influence cotton production.