Cotton response to planting patterns under effect of typical and limited irrigation regime

Abstract

Decrease of width between cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) row spacing has been suggested as an agronomic practice that may increase the yield and reduce the cost production. Altering agronomic practices as row spacing system as well as irrigation regime can affect cotton growth parameters, yield components, and physical fiber properties. The object of this study is the assessment of interaction between row spacing cropping systems and irrigation regime and their effects on yield components. Yield, biomass, harvest index, seed index, seed weight, bolls number, individual boll weight, the proportion of lint and seed were studied in three row spacing systems [conventional row (CR), narrow row (NR) and ultra-narrow row (UNR)] under typical and limited irrigation regime, during two growing seasons. The decrease of row spacing had different effect on yield components under the typical and limited irrigation regime e.g. the differences between systems of row spacing on bolls number were more evident under the limited irrigation than the typical one, and the opposite was true for the lint proportion. Decreased row spacing had positive effects on yield, biomass, bolls number per land area and lint proportion in two irrigation systems. However, had negative impact on individual boll weight, seed weight, seed index, harvest index and seed proportion. Interaction of row spacing and irrigation regime was significant for seed index. High differences were more significant between UNR and CR and less between NR and CR. UNR system appeared to be viable alternative to traditional row system for cotton production.