TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jul 15, 2004

Evapotranspiration of Full-, Deficit-Irrigated, and Dryland Cotton on the Northern Texas High Plains

Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 130, Issue 4

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is beginning to be produced on the Northern Texas High Plains as a lower water-requiring crop while producing an acceptable profit. Cotton is a warm season, perennial species produced like an annual yet it requires a delicate balance of water and water deficit controls to most effectively produce high yields in this thermally limited environment. This study measured the water use of cotton in fully irrigated, deficiently irrigated, and dryland regimes in a Northern Texas High Plains environment using precision weighing lysimeters in 2000 and 2001. A lateral-move sprinkler system was used to irrigate the fields. The water use data were used to develop crop coefficient data and compared with the FAO-56 method for estimating crop water use. Cotton yield, water use, and water use efficiency was found to be as good in this region as other more noted cotton regions. FAO-56 evapotranspiration prediction procedures performed better for the more fully irrigated treatments in this environment.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 130Issue 4August 2004
Pages: 277 - 285

History

Received: May 21, 2002
Accepted: Apr 9, 2003
Published online: Jul 15, 2004
Published in print: Aug 2004

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Authors

Affiliations

T. A. Howell, M.ASCE
Research Leader (Supervisory Agricultural Engineer), USDA-ARS, P.O. Drawer 10, Bushland, TX 79012.
S. R. Evett, M.ASCE
Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS, P.O. Drawer 10, Bushland, TX 79012.
J. A. Tolk
Plant Physiologist, USDA-ARS, P.O. Drawer 10, Bushland, TX 79012.
A. D. Schneider, M.ASCE
Retired Agricultural Engineer; formerly, USDA-ARS, P.O. Drawer 10, Bushland, TX 79012.

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