Energy Consumption and Yields for Cotton Tillage Systems

Abstract

The energy consumption of 2 alternative tillage systems for continuous cotton production in Arizona were compared to a conventional system. The tests were conducted at the University of Arizona Marana Agricultural Center. Results of the study in a Pima I clay loam soil showed the sundance treatment to have the lowest energy requirement of 39 Hp-hr /ac (73 kW-h/ha); the USM system had the second highest of 58 Hp-hr /ac (107 kW-h/ha). The conventional system required 67 Hp-hr /ac (124 kW- h/ha). Average yields for all 3 systems were not significantly different. A continuation of this study will be conducted to determine long-term effects on energy consumption, yields, and soil compaction.