Minimum Tillage Systems for Cotton: Reduced Energy, Time, and Particulates

Minimum Tillage Systems for Cotton: Reduced Energy, Time, and Particulates

Summary

Objectives

The goal of this project is to provide cotton growers in the Southwestern United States with effective, commercially acceptable alternatives to conventional tillage systems that will reduce input energy, time required and particulate generation. To achieve this goal four objectives have been established:
1. Compare three minimum tillage/controlled traffic systems to a conventional system in terms of profitability/efficiency, sustainability, and particulate generation.
2. Evaluate commercially viable methods of reducing emissions from tillage operations.
3. Demonstrate minimum tillage systems at field days, thereby permitting first hand observation by growers, extension personnel, etc. of their functionality and performance.
4. Disseminate results through the popular press, extension bulletins, and technical manuscripts.

Abstract

Some preparatory work for the project was completed, with field tests having been delayed due to several internal problems at the university. Activities which have taken place include acquisition of particulate samplers, development of a three point hitch draft transducer, design and fabrication of the soil profiler and wind tunnel for taking field data, and completion of a preliminary economic analysis of dust control options.

Specific Results

In preparation for the 1999 season particulate samplers were purchased, and borrowed. In addition, a three point hitch draft transducer was fabricated and the load pins for it were calibrated. Work to design and then construct a soil profile meter and wind tunnel began.

The initial stage of the literature review concerning the economics of dust control in the urban/rural interface in the United States was completed. Surprisingly, more economic analysis has been done on the economics of the damages of dust to people and assets (e.g. housing) than on the costs of abating dust. Colorado State University and Washington State University have been leaders in this field, and relationships with researchers at both universities have been established. The review of the literature produced the preliminary insight that the costs of eliminating farm-generated dust are prohibitive for the producer. Air quality can be improved by alternative management practices and farming systems, but the economic incentives for making these changes are questionable.

Potential Benefits or Impacts on Agriculture

Agriculture will be forced to reduce the amount of particulates it generates. Finding ways to do this without incurring significant costs, or with no cost, will to help sustain agricultural production. This is one of the primary goals of the project, and will be addressed.

Future Recommendations or New Hypotheses

A change in the first project plan was suggested. Most, if not all of the work will be conducted on farmers’ fields using their equipment and tillage practices, rather than setting up plots specifically for the project. This change will provide more “real world data”, but will have the disadvantage of not having true replications. Hence statistical analysis of the data will be difficult, if not impossible.

This project summary was prepared by the project coordinator for the 2000 reporting cycle

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