PRODUCTION OF COTTON ON NARROW ROW SPACING

Field studies were conducted at Stoneville, Mississippi from 1987-1991 to evaluate cotton production in 0.76 m rows. The five-year average yield increase obtained from 0.76 m rows compared to 1.02 m rows was 6.5% for Bosket very fine sandy loam soil and 8.6% for Dundee silty clay loam soil. A yield increase of 9.0% on Tunica silty clay loam soil was obtained in 1989 and 1990. Timely application of the plant growth regulator Pix reduced plant height and increased yield. These studies did not indicate a need to change varieties, nitrogen level, nor plant population when converting from a 1.02 m row system to a 0.76 m row system. Some equipment modifications are required for 0.76 m production. The level of management is higher in the 0.76 m row system primarily due to shorter time frames for production inputs.