Profitability of twin-row planting and skip-row irrigation in a humid climate

Abstract

We assessed the potential profitability of twin-row (TR) planting geometry as a water productivity-enhancing practice and of skip-row irrigation (SRI) as a water-conserving practice in furrow-irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.). Data from agronomic experiments carried on Dundee silt loam soils indicate that, on average, TR planting increases profitability by US$344 ha−1 for all-row irrigated (ARI), $401 ha−1 for SRI, and $334 ha−1 for rainfed (RF) cotton. For soybean, the gains were $178 ha−1 for ARI irrigated, $178 ha−1 for SRI, and $121 ha−1 for RF. Converting from ARI to SRI irrigation can conserve 88 mm of irrigation water on average for cotton and 91 mm of irrigation water on average for soybean, while improving cotton profits by $55–113 ha−1. Soybean growers can expect a reduction in profits from SRI of ∼$11 ha−1. Incentive payment for soybean growers of ∼$0.132 mm−1 of saved water would compensate farmers for the expected losses of adopting SRI in the Delta of Mississippi.