| An early and later maturing cotton cultivar were planted in 30-inch solid, 2 x 1 skip-row, and 1 x 1 skip-row (60-inch row) configurations to determine the influence of configuration on yield, fiber quality, and economic return. Yield, fiber, and plant mapping data were collected from replicated trials over 8 environment-years. Cultivars responded similarly to row configuration for yield and fiber quality traits suggesting maturity did not impart an advantage to either cultivar. Cotton grown in solid rows produced 211 lbs/ac more lint than the 2 x 1 skip-row and 311 lbs/ac more lint than the 1 x 1 wide row configuration due largely to higher lint yield production at the first fruiting position. Fiber quality was unaffected by configuration. Estimated net returns indicated an additional 100 lbs/ac would be required for the 2 x 1 and 1 x 1 configurations to be economically competitive. Net returns for 2 x 1 and 1 x 1 configurations averaged {dollar}36 less than the solid row configuration. |
