Agronomic and Economic Evaluation of Different Cotton Rotations Applied in Middle Egypt

Ten different rotation schemes including two-and three-year durations were investigated in Middle Egypt region (Sids Agricultural Research Station), during a period exten¬ding from 1979 to 1903. The study aimed at evaluating diffe¬rent cotton rotations in which the well-adapted crops of the region were involved to determine the best cropping patterns suited to the recent variables in agricultural production. These patterns were randomizely distributed in a complete block design with a plot size equal to 0.25 feddan. The effect of the preceding winter crop in each rotation on the yield of cotton was studied. The obtained data showed that cotton gave better yield when it was prece¬ded by a forage legume (Egyptian clover) than when it was preceded by a legume for seed (broad beans) or onion. A substantial increment in cotton yield was observed- after each rotation course. Growing cotton subsequent to a three-year rotation produced better yield in comparison with a two-year rotation. The net revenue per feddan was estimated. The two-year rotations (patterns J and H) gave the highest net revenue, where clover (as a main crop) and broad beans represented the highest concentration of the income. The three-year rotation (pattern C) is considered a preferable pattern where the income is concentrated in clover, wheat, cotton and maize respectively. The effect of different cotton rotations on farm income distribution over time-annual distribution and seasonal distribution and over successive crops was discussed