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Cotton Responses to Black Plastic Mulch and Irrigation 1
Author(s) -
Bennett O. L.,
Ashley D. A.,
Doss B. D.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1966.00021962005800010019x
Subject(s) - mulch , plastic mulch , irrigation , agronomy , plastic film , acre , environmental science , lint , weed control , growing season , weed , moisture , field experiment , biology , chemistry , organic chemistry , layer (electronics)
Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of black plastic mulch with and without irrigation on soil temperature, plant growth, cotton yields, fiber quality, water use, and weed control. All plots received an annual application of 360, 92, and 250 pounds per acre of N, P, and K, respectively. Plastic mulch increased seed cotton yields by 650 to 975 pounds per acre with or without irrigation and significantly increased the amount of cotton harvested early. Irrigation, however, increased yields of seed cotton by more than 1,600 pounds per acre with or without plastic mulch. Plastic mulch reduced rate of soil moisture loss, increased early season minimum soil temperature, accelerated early growth and fruiting of plants, and gave satisfactory weed control without cultivation.