Influence of Wind on Cotton Growth and Yield

Abstract

ABSTRACT THE effects of wind on cotton miocroclimate and the concurrent effects on morphology, yield, and water use have not been evaluated. Three wind exposures with three planting dates in 1984 and two wind exposures with two planting dates in 1985 were used to study the interactive effects of wind on cotton growth. The wind shelters consisted of slat fence and slat fence covered with screen wire which reduced the wind movement (0.2 m above the crop) 45% and 55%, respectively. Air temperature and relative humidity 0.2 m above the crop canopy was higher in the sheltered dryland cotton when compared with the unsheltered dryland cotton. Relative humidity above irrigated cotton was not affected by wind. Cotton exposed to wind produced a smaller plant with less leaf area which used less water than sheltered cotton. Sheltered cotton consistently produced more lint than unsheltered cotton for all planting dates and irrigation levels. The average yield increase for sheltered cotton ranged from 2% for the early planted dryland cotton in 1984 to 50% for the late planted irrigated cotton sheltered with screen wire in 1985. Sheltering cotton from wind produced a larger, earlier fruiting plant, which can produce higher yields, under proper environmental and management conditions..