Cotton planting, replanting decisions
Published 12:11 pm, Friday, January 31, 2014
Cotton planting in Texas will range from as early to and as late as any other state in the nation. Regardless of location, producers have one thing in common: they push the limits on getting the planters in the field. Extension cotton specialists preach that planting early does not necessarily result in earliness. The first field planted is not necessarily the first field ready for harvest.
Since the optimum soil temperature for cotton germination is near 85°F, it is understandable that soil temperatures of 60°F to 65°F can lead to stand failure. Cold weather slows cotton growth, and increases its vulnerability to fungal pathogens which grow well at 65°F. The coldest soils are fine textured, poorly drained, flat planted light colored soils. Cotton germinates slowly in these soils. The presence of sodium and other salts in these soils will slow germination even more. Cotton germination is very sensitive to salts, especially when soil calcium is low. When planting into cold soils, it is imperative to use the highest quality seed. As seed size decreases, seed quality becomes more critical when planting in marginal conditions.
A question that is common this time of the season deals with making replant decisions. Many factors must be considered. First, it is important to know what is in the field. This may not be evident for a few days after a storm if evaluating hail damage. Nonetheless, it is important to evaluate the population, uniformity and health of the existing stand. Establishing the occurrence of skips greater than three feet in length, especially when this occurs simultaneously in adjacent rows, is critical. The calendar date is also important. A thin stand will most always look better at the end of the planting window. The ability of cotton to adapt and maintain yield potential at lower plant populations is often underestimated. Most Extension recommendations state, “If the decision to replant is difficult, then there are probably enough plants to keep the stand.” To find more information to assist in making this decision, search for “cotton replanting decisions” on your computer web browser. Information from your local or neighboring state’s Cooperative Extension Service can be used to assist in this tough decision.
Close attention to planting recommendations may prevent having to become familiar with the replanting recommendations. Most Extension specialists recommend that planting be delayed until: 1) mid-morning soil temperatures in the rooting zone exceed 60°F at a 6-inch planting depth or 68°F at a 2-inch planting depth; 2) the five-day forecast calls for dry weather and a minimum of 25 DD60s; and 3) low temperatures are forecast to remain above 50°F for the following five days.
Search “local temperatures” on the web browser to select any number of sites that offer current, short and long-range forecasts. Extension cotton specialists may also provide a local planting forecast. Contact the local Extension agent for more information regarding recommendations.
Don’t forget — Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Hale/Swisher Ag Conference. Cost $15 with a meal provided. Five CEU’s will be given. There will be lots of new issues in insects, weed control, disease management, fertility and more.
The third installment of Master Gardeners will take place on March 4. We have had two very successful classes already. In this program, you will be required to have 50 hours of class time and 50 hours of community service on beautification and other garden plant related issues. The course is $100 dollars for 12 weeks. You will have classes on insects, botany, plant diseases, water usage, vegetable gardening, annuals and perennials, soils, fertility, rain barrels, chemical safety and much more. If you are interested, reserve your spot now call 806-291-5267.
Hale County 4-H is looking at some new projects. Projects such as 4-H Science where we will be doing a series of programs in electronics, robotics, rocketry, weather, astronomy and poultry which will require sign ups by March in order to get chicks. This is open to all youth in Hale County.
If you are interested, please contact our office at 806-291-5267.
I want to thank all the participants in the SET training.
More sessions are to come to work toward a regional plan for common interest issues.
Gary Cross is Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension ag and natural
resource agent in Hale County.