Abstract
Decrease of width between cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) row spacing has been suggested as an agronomic practice that may increase the yield and reduce the cost production. Altering agronomic practices as row spacing system as well as irrigation regime can affect cotton growth parameters, yield components, and physical fiber properties. The object of this study is the assessment of interaction between row spacing cropping systems and irrigation regime and their effects on yield components. Yield, biomass, harvest index, seed index, seed weight, bolls number, individual boll weight, the proportion of lint and seed were studied in three row spacing systems [conventional row (CR), narrow row (NR) and ultra-narrow row (UNR)] under typical and limited irrigation regime, during two growing seasons. The decrease of row spacing had different effect on yield components under the typical and limited irrigation regime e.g. the differences between systems of row spacing on bolls number were more evident under the limited irrigation than the typical one, and the opposite was true for the lint proportion. Decreased row spacing had positive effects on yield, biomass, bolls number per land area and lint proportion in two irrigation systems. However, had negative impact on individual boll weight, seed weight, seed index, harvest index and seed proportion. Interaction of row spacing and irrigation regime was significant for seed index. High differences were more significant between UNR and CR and less between NR and CR. UNR system appeared to be viable alternative to traditional row system for cotton production.
 
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 In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 4, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.
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Highlights
Cotton is the world’s primary fiber crop and is a major agricultural commodity in over 30 countries
Seed-cotton yield The effects of limited irrigation on seed-cotton yield were evident in both years and in all row spacing systems (Fig. 1)
The observed seedcotton production when limited irrigation was applied was significantly higher in decreased row spacing system (UNR50 cm) compared to the other cultivation systems
Summary
Cotton is the world’s primary fiber crop and is a major agricultural commodity in over 30 countries. To deal with high rise of cotton production cost, growers have adopted management practices such as decreased row spacing, to maximize crop profit. Decreased cotton row spacing may increase the yield (Gerik et al, 1998; Nichols et al, 2004), and reduce the weed competition (Snipes 1996). It can reduce soil water evaporation (Howell et al, 1984), due to additional shading of the soil (Enciso-Medina et al, 2002), because of rapid canopy closure (Jost and Cothren, 2000). It can reduce soil water evaporation (Howell et al, 1984), due to additional shading of the soil (Enciso-Medina et al, 2002), because of rapid canopy closure (Jost and Cothren, 2000). Lascano and Nelson (2014) have suggested decreased row spacing system as an agronomic practice that can maximize cotton’s water use efficiency
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