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Cotton Responses to Black Plastic Mulch and Irrigation¹

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.

² Soil Scientists, USDA, Thorsby, Alabama.

Received for publication May 13, 1965.