1999 Integrated Cotton Management Demonstration

Abstract

An Integrated Cotton Management (ICM) Demonstration project was conducted on the Demonstration Farm at the Maricopa Agricultural Center in 1999 for the second year. In this project, all current guidelines and recommendations disseminated by the University of Arizona were integrated in a systems approach for cotton production. The Extension Specialists in agronomy, entomology, irrigation management, weed sciences, and plant pathology following the University recommendations made the management decisions. On a 52.7 acre field, 78% Bt and 22% non-Bt cotton was planted into moisture on April 9, 1999. Because of problems with cool temperatures and deep seeding, a stand of only 25,000 plants/acre was established. Weed control was achieved with one preplant application and two cultivations. The field was sprayed three times for lygus and two times for whitefly control. Approximately 38.6 acre-inches of irrigation water was applied. An average of 3005 lb/acre of seed cotton were harvested. After harvesting, a field budget was established. The variable costs per acre were $594.96 and the total cost was $957.96/acre. Average micronaire was 4.45, strength was 28.41 gm/Tex, length was 1.10 (1/100 in.) and grade color was 21. The price received for the cotton was 74.82¢/lb, including LPD and hail damage payments, just over 3¢/lb below the break-even price. An additional $139/acre in PFC payments was received but not calculated into the budget. This project demonstrates the utility and compatibility of current recommendations and the potential for integration of all disciplinary guidelines in one system.