Planting Method and Seeding Rate Evaluation in Graham County

Abstract

A single field experiment was established in 2001 at the Safford Agricultural Center to evaluate the effects planting method and seeding rate have on plant population and yield of an Upland cotton cultivar Deltapine DP655BR. Two planting methods; planting into moisture (pre-irrigate) and dry plant/water-up, were main effects with three seeding rates of 10, 20, and 30 lbs./acre as sub-effects. These effects were evaluated with respect to stand establishment and yield. Analysis of variance showed no significant differences with respect to planting method for either plant population or yield, so data was combined across main effects. Significant differences were observed in plant population and yield as a function of seeding rate. A linear increase in yield with plant population was observed. These results are not consistent with previous research performed examining plant population effects on yield. This experiment will be conducted again in 2002 in an effort to validate results observed in 2001.