Evaluating the impacts of wide row upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in Georgia

Success stories of wide row cotton production have generated producer interest across the cotton belt. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of row spacing on (1) cotton growth and development and (2) lint yield and fiber quality in Georgia. The cotton cultivar Deltapine DP 1646 (Bollgard 2, XtendFlex; Bayer Crop Science) was planted in 2021 and 2022 in Tifton, GA, at row spacings of 91 cm, 122 cm, 152 cm, and 183 cm. Although canopy closure was delayed in wider row spacings compared to the 91-cm spacing, all other crop growth and development trends did not differ among row spacings. Similarly, row spacing had no effect on the incidence of boll rot/hard lock. The 91-cm row spacing yielded 1734 kg lint ha(-1). The 183-cm row spacing reduced yield by 15% compared with the grower's standard row spacing of 91 cm. Fiber quality parameters did not differ among row spacing treatments. Seed costs can be reduced in all wide row systems evaluated for cotton, and the 122 and 152-cm row spacings had similar yields to the 91-cm row spacing. However, Georgia growers produce peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.) and corn (Zea mays L.), the most common rotational crops for cotton producers, using a 91-cm row spacing. Consequently, the simplest transition to wide row production would be the 183-cm spacing, which incurred yield penalties in the current study. Thus, a 91-cm row spacing is still the most feasible option for Georgia cotton producers.