Inter-row Spacing Research Articles

Quantifying consistency of crop establishment using a lightweight U-Net deep learning architecture and image processing techniques

Consistency of crop establishment is a measure of uniformity of crop attributes, such as plant stand count, crop emergence rate, and plant spacing across the field. Quantifying consistency during the early crop growth stage is important for establishment decisions to use targeted nutrients and to facilitate timely replanting in inconsistent crop regions. Crop consistency can be analysed using two key parameters: plant stand count and spacing statistics since they provide insight into plant density and its emergence percentage. However, manual assessment of them is time-consuming, prone to errors, and labour-intensive in large fields. An alternative method is proposed to automate estimating these parameters using field imagery under uncontrolled settings. We use the YOLOv5-based object detection model for plant counting, which attains a mean average precision of 0.956 to detect Canola plants. A Lightweight U-Net model is proposed to segment rows, followed by Guo–Hall thinning and Probabilistic Hough Transform to determine inter-row and inter-plant spacing. Our proposed row segmentation model achieves a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 0.8444 with class-wise IoU of 0.9925 and 0.6963 for background and crop using fewer parameters. The new architecture uses only 14M parameters and achieves performance comparable to the state-of-the-art U-Net (32.5M) and SegNet (29M).

Boosting Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter)) Yield through the Use of Different Inter-Row Spacing and Seeding Rates

Tef is the major staple cereal crop in Ethiopia. Broadcast method of sowing and lack of site-specific seeding rates are among the major constraints of tef productivity. In this context, a field experiment was conducted with the aim of optimizing inter-row spacing and seed rates for better growth and yield of tef in southern Ethiopia. Treatments consisted of five levels of seed rates (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 kg ha−1) and four inter-row spacing (15, 20, 25, and 30 cm) that were combined in factorial arrangement and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenology, growth, yield components, and yield data were collected. The results revealed that lodging, main panicle weight, biomass, and grain yield were significantly affected by the interaction effect of inter-row spacing and seed rates. Seed rate of 2.5 kg ha−1 at 20 cm inter-row spacing prolonged crop phonology, enhanced tiller formation, and increased panicle and 1,000-grain weight than other treatments. The maximum grain yield (2,400 kg ha−1) was obtained from the combination 2.5 kg ha−1 seed rate with 20 cm inter-row spacing. Taking the agronomic and economic advantages, it was concluded that a seed rate of 2.5 kg ha−1 with an inter-row spacing of 20 cm was suggested for tef growing farmers with similar agroecology of the study area.

Vision based crop row navigation under varying field conditions in arable fields

Accurate crop row detection is often challenged by the varying field conditions present in real-world arable fields. Traditional colour based segmentation is unable to cater for all such variations. The lack of comprehensive datasets in agricultural environments limits the researchers from developing robust segmentation models to detect crop rows. We present a dataset for crop row detection with 11 field variations from sugar beet and maize crops. We also present a novel crop row detection algorithm for visual servoing in crop row fields. The proposed method uses deep learning based crop row skeleton segmentation method followed by a crop row scanning algorithm that identifies the central crop row which the robot then follows. The unique dataset we used with skeleton representations for crop row detection enables robust crop row detection in challenging real world field conditions. Our algorithm can detect crop rows against varying field conditions such as curved crop rows, weed presence, discontinuities, growth stages, tramlines, shadows and light levels. Dense weed presence within inter-row space and discontinuities in crop rows were the most challenging field conditions for our crop row detection algorithm. An End-of Row detector algorithm was developed to detect the end of the crop row and navigate the robot towards the headland area when it reaches the end of the crop row.

Influence of Environment by Spacing and Phosphorus Fertilizer Interaction on the Productivity of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in the Major Nitisol Production Areas in Ethiopia

Though Faba bean is an important pulse crop grown in the highlands of Ethiopia, its productivity is far below its potential due to several constraints, such as optimum plant density and fertilizer rates meant for major faba bean growing areas. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to determine the appropriate seeding and fertilizer rates for faba bean production at Holeta, Jima, Kulumsa, and Sinana areas during the 2019 to 2021 main cropping seasons. Factorial combinations of phosphorus fertilizer (23, 46, and 69 kg P2O5/ha), intra-row spacing (7, 10, and 13 cm), and inter-row spacing (30, 40, and 50 cm) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Due to the non-homogeneity of variances across locations, a separate combined ANOVA was done for Kulumsa and Jimma that were found homogeneous. Similarly, a separate combined ANOVA over years was done for Holeta. On the other hand, Sinana's two-year data lacked homogeneity across years and with either of the other testing sites. Hence, results of each year presented. Based on the ANOVA results, the lowest fertilizer rates of 23 kg P2O5/ha together with 10 cm intra-row spacing and 40 cm inter-row spacing, were found to be optimum for the study areas around Kulumsa and Jimma while, the highest fertilizer rate of 69 kg P2O5/ha together with 10 cm intra-row spacing and 40 cm inter-row spacing, were found to be economically optimal for faba bean production in West Shewa acidic nitisols. On the other hand, to get reliable results, the experiment should be repeated at least once in one growing season at Sinan testing sites.

АККУМУЛЯЦИЯ НАНОСОВ МЕЛКОЗЕМА ГИДРОТЕХНИЧЕСКИМ СООРУЖЕНИЕМ КАНАВА-ВАЛ В УСЛОВИЯХ РОСТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Purpose: to study the ability of the ditch-bank hydraulic structure in combination with reclamation protective forest plantings to accumulate silt sediments, carried by the surface melt and rainwater runoff, on the chernozems of Rostov region. Materials and methods. The object of research is the ditch-bank hydraulic structure in combination with a reclamation protective forest plantation near Stepnoy village, Aksay district, Rostov region, founded in 1982 under the leadership of Professor E. V. Poluektov. The experimental design consisted of three options: 1) measuring runoff at a stationary runoff site (control); 2) a ditch-bank in a reclamation protective forest plantation, surface slope 2–3°; 3) a ditch-bank in a reclamation protective forest plantation, surface slope 5–6°. The generally accepted research methods of G. V. Dobrovolsky and the methodology of the Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems were used. Results. The studies were conducted in 1982–2023 for three periods: 1982–1995, 1996–2004 and 2004–2023. Archival observations of Professor E. V. Poluektov for the 1st and 2nd periods and data from studies conducted in 2023 were used. It has been determined that the simplest ditch-bank protective hydraulic structure, in the inter-row spacing of reclamation protective forest plantations, is capable of reducing soil erosion and accumulating sediment in the ditch and in front of the bank in a volume of 0.84 t/linear m with a slope of 2–3° and up to 1.74 t/linear m with a slope of 5–6°. Conclusions. It has been determined that if in the option with a slope of 2–3° there is still a overcapacity for the sediment accumulation in front of the bank, sufficient for another 40–50 years at such filling rates, then with a slope of 5–6° the ditch capacity reserves and space in front of the bank for the period 1982–2023 are filled to 96 %, therefore it is necessary to provide measures to increase the capacity for sediment accumulation.

The Effect of Applying Mineral Fertilizers Through Drip Irrigation and Furrow Method on the Movement of Mobile Nutrients in the Soil and the Growth, Development, and Accumulation of Nutrients in the Walnut Leaves

A task was set to reveal the effect of water-soluble fertilizers of new composition and quality on the content of available nutrients at different depths of the soil, depending on the movement of the irrigation water, irrigation time, as well as its effect on the growth, yielding capacity and the quality of fruit in commercial size walnut orchards. The research has shown that the movement of nutrients in the soil is completely dependent on the movement of water when applying water-soluble complex fertilizers with drip irrigation. Therefore, the amount of the water should be adjusted so that the nutrients are available to the plant’s root system at all depths, improving the growth, and increasing the content of the basic nutrients in the leaves.Fertilizers with less water-solubility are mainly preserved at a 0 cm - 30 cm depth. When the root system grows and spreads to the inter-row spaces, it is appropriate to periodically fertilize also the inter-row spacing by the furrow method.

OPTIMAL PLANT SPACING EFFECTS ON PHENOLOGY AND GROWTH METRICS OF CORN (Zea mays L.)

This experiment aimed to investigate the influence of different inter and intra-row spacing on phenology and plant growth metrics of corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted under field conditions at Qushtapa zones of northern Iraq in the main cropping season of 2020-2021. Three different inter and intra-row spacing treatments (45, 60 and 75 cm) and (10 and 15 cm) respectively, were applied in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, the total plots were six, each plot on the field was measured 2m width by 3m length (6 m2). The study assessed various plant growth parameters. The results found that inter-row spacing significantly influenced plant height and leaf area index (LAI) at inter-row spacing (45cm). In contrast, leaf area (LA) and leaf area ratio (LAR) significantly had the higher mean value at (75cm) inter-row spacing. Additionally, interaction treatments of inter-row spacing×intra-row spacing recorded highest mean values of plant height at treatment (inter 45cm × intra 15cm), while leaf area (LA) was higher mean value at interaction treatments of (inter 75cm × intra 15cm). As for leaf area index (LAI) this trait showed higher mean value at treatment interaction of (inter 45cm × intra 10cm), leaf area ratio (LAR) and leaf area duration (LAD) postulate higher mean at interaction (inter 75cm × intra 10cm) and (inter 60cm × intra 15cm) respectively. This study explores key growth indicators to comprehensively analyze the growth and productivity of corn plants, shedding light on their canopy development dynamics and overall performance.

Suitable Spacing and Phosphorus Application Rate for Shero-Type Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Production on Acidic Nitisols in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Field pea is among the leading pulse crops grown in the highlands of Ethiopia in area coverage and productivity, although its productivity is far below its potential due to several production constraints, including optimum fertilizer and spacing recommendations. A field experiment was conducted to refine and/or determine the economically optimum spacing and phosphorus level for Shero-type field pea production on Nitisols at Holeta in 2021 and 2022. A 2*2*3 complete factorial combination of intra-row spacing (5 and 10 cm), inter-row spacing (20 and 30 cm), and phosphorus fertilizer (0, 23, 46, 69, and 92 kg P2O5/ha) was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. P2O5 fertilizer and intra-row spacing main effects showed significant (p<0.05) effects on most of the studied parameters, while inter-row spacing main effects showed significant (p<0.05) effects only on hundred seed weight. The agronomic efficiency of P was highest at 46 kg P2O5/ha followed by 69 kg P2O5/ha over the non-fertilizer-applied treatment. Depending on the ANOVA and economic analysis results, the use of 69 kg P2O5/ha in combination with 10 cm intra-row spacing and 30 cm inter-row spacing (with a matching seed rate of about 73 kg/ha) was found to be optimum for row planting of Shero-type field pea on nitisols in Wolmera district and similar areas.

Identifying agroforestry characteristics for enhanced nutrient cycling potential in Brazil

Tropical soils are prone to rapid degradation if not managed well, and agroforestry systems have the potential to restore degraded soils and support agricultural production together with other ecosystem services. In Brazil, an increasing number of pioneering farmers are establishing agroforestry systems on previously cleared farmland. However, while there are a wide range of agroforestry systems, this diversity has hardly been quantified, and it is not clear how these systems differ in their capacity for nutrient cycling to reverse soil degradation. The objectives of the study were to assess innovative agroforestry systems in terms of taxonomic and functional diversity, spatial structure and management, and to assess how these systems differ in terms of structural complexity and their potential for nutrient cycling. We assessed a LiDAR-derived stand structural complexity index (SSCI), interrow spacing, stem density, tree species richness and diversity, community weighted means (CWM) of foliar nitrogen and wood density, livestock density, pruning and mowing regimes in 30 agroforestry systems in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. We used N, P, K, Ca and Mg stocks in litter as a proxy for nutrient cycling. The agroforestry systems could be broadly categorized into silvopastures, multistrata and successional agroforestry systems. These types spanned a gradient of structural complexity, and this complexity was positively associated with tree species richness and planting density. Litter nutrient stocks were positively associated with pruning and mulching, and negatively associated with CWM of wood density, indicating the importance of pioneer trees. Overall, our results suggest that densely planted, pruned agroforestry systems that contain high species richness, including pioneer trees, contain relatively high amounts of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in their litter. These findings provide insight in the key characteristics of agroforestry systems to support nutrient cycling, and can inform the design of agroforestry systems for the regeneration of degraded agricultural land.

UAV-based plant height estimation of maize cultivated using different varieties and sowing spacing

This study aimed at estimating plant height of maize using low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based imagery. The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design. The factors were maize varieties (honampa, ahooden, ahoofe and abontem) and intra-row sowing spacing (20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm). A constant inter-row spacing of 80 cm was used for all sub-plots. Data (both UAV-based imagery and manual data) were taken 21 days after sowing (DAS) -seedling/establishment stage-, 42 DAS (vegetative stage), 63 DAS (tasseling stage), and 84 DAS (physiological maturity stage). The results showed a high correlation between the UAV-based plant height and manual measurement with R2 (adjust) > 0.92 in all cases. For the intra-row sowing spacing, the 20 cm plant spacing was found to have had the best overall R2 (adjust) of 0.949, showing the strongest regression of UAV with the manual data among the treatments. Also, it was found that the best stage to estimate maize plant height is dependent on the variety being used since the honampa gave the best correlation coefficient (R = 0.85) at the tasseling stage while the ahooden, ahoofe and abontem gave optimum correlation coefficients (R) of 0.70, 0.90 and 0.69 respectively at the vegetative stage. Overall, the study shows potency of using UAV-based imagery for estimating plant height of maize. The findings of the study could be useful to agronomists and smallholder farmers in Ghana and other developing countries regarding the usefulness of the technology for in-field data collection and advisory services.

Growth and yield performance of carrot (Daucus carota L.) as influenced by plant population density under irrigation condition

Poor agronomic practices, such as inadequate plant density, can result in suboptimal carrot (Daucus carota L.) yield and quality in some regions. In 2020, a field experiment was conducted under irrigation conditions in Gerado, South Wollo administrative zone, Ethiopia, using the Nantes variety as a test crop, to investigate the impact of inter-row and intra-row spacing on carrot yield. The treatments involved three inter-row (row) spacing levels (10, 15, and 20 cm) and three intra-row (plant) spacing levels (5, 10, and 15 cm) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Row and plant spacing significantly affected (P<0.05) total yield, plant height, leaf fresh weight, root length, root diameter, and root fresh weight. The highest marketable yield (490.4 q ha-1) was achieved with a plant density of 20 x 5 cm. In contrast, the highest unmarketable yield (36.3 q ha-1) was obtained with a spacing of 20 x 15 cm. Hence, a plant density of 20 x 5 cm is recommended for optimal marketable carrot yield in the study region and similar agroecologies, although further research across multiple locations and seasons is necessary to validate the results.

Inter-Row Management and Clay Content Influence Acari and Collembola Abundances in Vineyards

Viticulture is a perennial cropping system that provides large inter-row space as a non-crop habitat for a range of different taxa. Extensive vegetation management has been shown to increase biodiversity and ecosystem service provision in vineyards. Important soil ecosystem services are decomposition, nutrient cycling, and pest regulation provided by the mesofauna (e.g., Acari and Collembola). However, studies investigating the effects of inter-row management on soil mesofauna are scarce. We studied the effect of inter-row management intensity (complete vegetation cover, alternating vegetation cover, and bare ground) and local pedoclimatic conditions on Acari and Collembola in nine Austrian vineyards. Our results showed that the clay content of the soil was the most important factor and increased the abundances of both analyzed taxa. Complete and alternating vegetation cover increased their abundance in comparison to bare ground management. Higher soil respiration slightly contributed to higher abundances of those two taxa in both years. In conclusion, besides the positive effects of the clay content in the soil, complete and alternating vegetation cover are feasible management practices for increasing soil mesofauna in vineyards.

آليات الحكامة في تدبير الشأن التربوي وانخراط الشركاء

آليات الحكامة في تدبير الشأن التربوي وانخراط الشركاء

Влияние метеорологических условий на рост культур ели с закрытой корневой системой

The assessment results of the five- and seven-year-old European spruce crops growth in the Gryazovetsky district of the Vologda region, created by one- and two-year-old seedlings with a root-balled tree system with improved hereditary properties, are presented. It is noted that in the studied seven year-old crops, the proportion of spruce in the plantation composition reaches four points, and in five-year-old — from two to four points. Natural renewal of hardwoods due to timely clearing is located mainly in the inter-row spacings and, by now, does not depress cultivated plants. All the surveyed sites are characterized by a tendency to increase the annual growth of terminal shoot, as well as a decrease in the level of its fluctuation with age. The correlation ratio (η = 0,85) indicates a high dependence of the growth of the axial shoot on the year of its formation. It is shown that meteorological factors influence the growth of spruce crops created by seedlings with a root-balled tree system in the phase of their individual growth. The greatest influence is the sum of the active temperatures of the growing season, precipitation, relative humidity in May and June and the average air temperature in the daytime. At the same time, the growth of axial shoots increases with an increase in the number of days with precipitation in May, but decreases with their increase in June. A significant positive dependence of the increase was noted on the relative humidity of the air in May, however, increased humidity in June leads to a decrease in the growth of spruce crops.

A Review on Live Mulch for Better Agriculture

Living mulch is an eco-friendly practice of growing fast growing leguminous crops in the interrow spaces of a crop with an objective of weed suppression, thereby reducing the use of herbicides for sustainable agriculture. It reduces the negative impacts of intensive agriculture such as land degradation and is a practical way to boost agroecosystem biodiversity. Other benefits include increase in organic carbon content and available nutrient content, improvement in water holding capacity, reduction in soil erosion and pest and diseases. The selection of live mulch species is an important factor with respect to the main crop for reducing the crop- live mulch competition. It suppresses the weeds by shading, competes for light and below ground resources and allelopathy.

Assessment of tractor track width compatibility with crop inter-row spacing

Various factors can exert detrimental effects on crop growth and development, among which the influence of the machinery's running gear within the machine-tractor unit stands out, particularly within the soil vicinity encompassing the plant's root system. As a result, the area of soil compaction arising from tractor wheel pressure increasingly covers the plant's protective zone. This poses challenges for both root system growth and development, as well as the optimal uptake of soil nutrients, often leads to plant damage or even trampling. Presently, there is no universally accepted metric for assessing the compatibility between tractor track width and the specific inter-row spacing under cultivation. (Research purpose) Development of an indicator to assess the compatibility of the tractor track width with the cultivated inter-row spacing. (Materials and methods) The analysis demonstrates that the level of compatibility of the tractor track to the crop inter-row spacing is determined based on the dimensions of the crop spacing, the tractor track width, the protective zone outlined by agrotechnical standards, the deviation of the wheel trajectory from the axis of row symmetry, and tire size. (Results and discussion) An analytical correlation has been derived to determine the level of compatibility between tractor track width and crop inter-row spacing, using the context of cotton cultivation as an illustrative example. It has been revealed that among the serial tractors utilized within cotton farms across the region, full-fledged operational performance is exclusively achieved when row spacings measure 60 and 90 centimeters. In contrast, the utilization of this machinery on row spacings of 70 and 76 centimeters leads to detrimental outcomes such as row trampling and plant damage. (Conclusions) The viability of the developed indicator has been determined and validated. The improvement of the tractor propulsion system should be aimed at devising a technical solution that facilitates seamless adjustment of track width over a broad spectrum, thus allowing for adaptability to diverse row spacing requirements.

Reducing the range of soil discarding by disc harrows in berry fields

BACKGROUND: The subject of research is the process of transverse discarding of soil by the outer disk mounted on the front section of a disk harrow in the conditions of inter-row spacing of a berry plantation.
 AIMS: Reduction of the range of discarding of a soil layer by the outer disk mounted on the front section of a disk harrow in the conditions of inter-row spacing of a berry plantation.
 METHODS: All studies were carried out on a raspberry plantation. Soil moisture was 28%. The disc harrow was aggregated with the T-25A tractor moved at a constant speed of 7.29 km/h, had an attack angle of 21 and a processing depth of 0.1 m. While carrying out field experiments, the location of all soil fragments outside the furrow formed by the outer disk of the rear section was considered. Both the distance to the fragment edge furthest from the furrow wall and the fragments slope relative to ч were recorded.
 RESULTS: According to the results of field experiments, it was found that the value of the transverse discharge of waterlogged and over-compacted soil in inter-row spacing of berry bushes significantly exceeds the amount of overlap between the front and rear sections of the disc harrow. To exclude the soil discarding into the bush area, the disc harrow was equipped with an additional bump shield oriented at an angle of 5354 in horizontal plane and at an angle of 50-58 to the direction of movement of the harrow.
 CONCLUSIONS: The practical implementation of this technical solution makes it possible to maintain the surface of inter-row spacing at a leveled state throughout their entire service life. At the same time, the disk harrow operates steadily, both with a high degree of impurity of inter-row spacing and excessive soil moisture, as well as provides with grinding and sealing of the annually cut-out raspberry stems.

Adaptation of multipurpose tractors to row spaces of cotton crops

In the Republic of Uzbekistan, cotton cultivation is carried out on row spacings of 60; 76 and 90 cm. The machine-tractor parks of cotton-growing farms are equipped with agricultural machines designed for these inter-row spacings and they are aggregated by tractors with gauges designed for them. Such a variety of tractor gauges creates the problem of mismatch between the gauge and row spacing when moving from one row spacing to another, increases the variety of spare parts and narrows the scope of their use only within one type of row spacing. The discrepancy between the gauge of serial universal row-crop tractors and the cultivated row spacing leads to damage to the plant and compaction of the soil in the area where its root system is located. Overconsolidation of the soil by more than 1.1 g/cm3 leads to a slowdown in plant growth and development, an increase in soil resistivity during subsequent tillage operations and, most importantly, a decrease in crop yield. Studies have established that, despite the variety of designs of known devices used to adjust the track, they change the track stepwise and in an insufficient range, as a result of which the tractor does not fit into the row spacing. To eliminate the shortcomings of the known methods for adjusting the track, a device has been developed for adapting the tractor running system to work on different row spacings. The developed device allows, without the use of attachments or interchangeable axle shafts and their casings, to accurately adapt the tractor’s running system to the aisle of crops cultivated by it, thereby eliminating the existing shortcomings of serial universal row-cultivator tractors. The article provides a description of the proposed technical solution and the method of its application.

Modeling, Simulation, and Experimental Analysis of a Photovoltaic and Biogas Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Electrification of Rural Community

This research is a numerical study, with simulation and experimental investigation of a novel photovoltaic and biogas hybrid renewable energy system. PVSYST simulation software is used to evaluate the energy generation of photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at optimum tilt angle and interrow spacing, as well as measure the performance ratio and system losses. The results obtained from simulations show that annual energy production from designed PV system is 16 654.80 kWh year−1 and its annual specific energy production is 1556.5 kWh kWp year−1. The average annual performance ratio is about 84.3%, normalized array production is 3.23 kWh kWp day−1, normalized system losses are 0.07 kWh kWp day−1, and normalized system production is 3.16 kWh kWp day−1. With SuperPro Designer software, a model is developed for simulating anaerobic digestion for treating animal manure to produce biogas. The simulation yields 88.13% of CH4 and 6.49% of CO2. The performance of the installed experimental setup is examined for 30 d. The maximum load demand of all houses is 46.902 kWh, whereas maximum energy produced by a hybrid PV/biogas system is 61.06 kWh. The payback period for a hybrid photovoltaic/biogas system is estimated to be 4.47 years and levelized cost of energy is 0.0186 USD kWh−1. The hybrid PV/biogas system results in net CO2 mitigation of 20.45 tCO2(e).

Using perennial groundcover crops to suppress weeds and thrips in the southeast cotton belt

AbstractModern cotton production (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the United States relies on chemical and physical inputs that increase the environmental and monetary costs of managing the crop. Perennial groundcover crops (PGCC) may reduce inputs by persisting in the interrow spaces of the cotton crop during summer months. A 2‐year field study was conducted in Florence, SC, to evaluate growing PGCCs with cotton using a 4 × 4 Latin square consisting of four cover crop treatments: (1) a fallow, unplanted control, (2) annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) monoculture, (3) a binary red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) mixture, and (4) a trinary mixture of annual ryegrass, red clover, and white clover. Fallow and annual ryegrass treatments were killed with a burndown herbicide application, while treatments containing clovers were mowed. Plots were strip‐tilled and planted with cotton in May each year. Interrow biomass, weed and thrips populations, and perennial clover populations were collected from June to October along with annual lint yields from cotton harvest in October. Results indicated that interrow biomass (2000–3000 kg ha−1), weeds (20 weeds m−2), and thrips (five thrips per five plants−1) populations were lowest in treatments containing perennial clovers, but drought and heat stress reduced clover stands within two growing seasons. Lint yield was not affected by incorporating perennial clovers into the interrow spaces of the crop. Perennial groundcover crops may provide an effective alternative to chemical weed control in cotton, but necessitate management changes to be viable in the southeastern United States.