Good Management Practices Now Can Improve Cotton Production

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Good management practices now can improve cotton yields. New Mexico State University's Anna María Pérez-Wright reports.

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At harvest, cotton management and stand losses throughout the year will be apparent. Agronomist Denise McWilliams with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service says even under adverse conditions, fields with two or more cotton plants per row foot with few long skips can produce a good lint load. However, longer skips can test production goals.

"Many times what we see as a normal stand can easily have no yield decreases. However, a 25 percent stand loss can result in around a 13 percent yield decrease. A 50 percent stand loss can result in a 26 or more percent yield decrease. So maintain your stand in order to have good quality cotton."

Fiber quality in cotton is an important factor this year with low market prices on lint. Production is affected by fiber length, strength and fineness, all largely determined by genetics, but also affected by environment and management.

"Several different careful management strategies, especially right now since we've had the final irrigations, and any applications of defoliants, rate, and timings will be especially important this year, as your choice of variety for final overall fiber quality will be important."

McWilliams suggests checking boll maturity before defoliation to maximize harvest ease and improve lint quality. For more information, call your county Extension office. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.