COTTON YIELD AND FIBER QUALITY FOR IRRIGATED TILLAGE SYSTEMS OF THE TENNESSEE

Irrigation can positively influence cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and fiber quality during periods of short-term drought. A cover crop in conjunction with conservation tillage can also benefit cotton yield and fiber quality by conserving soil moisture and potentially increasing plant available water. A split-plot experiment in a randomized complete block design was utilized to examine how interactions between irrigation levels and tillage systems affect cotton yield and fiber quality in the Tennessee Valley on a Decatur silt loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Paleudults) from 2001-2003. Main plots were tillage systems and subplots were irrigation levels. The no-tillage system increased yields 13 % in 2003 (normal rainfall year), while irrigation levels increased yields 46 % and 32%, respectively in 2002 and 2003 over non-irrigated yields. Micronaire and staple were not affected by tillage system or irrigation level in 2001; however, micronaire and staple were influenced by tillage system and irrigation level in 2002. Only irrigation level influenced fiber quality in 2003. A no-tillage system, utilizing a cover crop combined with irrigation, can improve cotton yields in the Tennessee Valley