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Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate agronomic effects of subsurface drip irrigation (SSD) in comparison to overhead irrigation in Georgia, such as maturity, lint yield and components, fiber quality, soil moisture, and water use. Studies were located at two Southwest Georgia locations in 2004 and 2005. Treatments included overhead irrigation, dryland, subsurface drip matched to overhead (SSD-matched), and subsurface drip based on soil moisture (SSD-fed). The SSD-fed treatment matured quicker than the overhead treatment. Lint yield from SSD was comparable to overhead irrigation in all environments, with yield distribution trending lower on the plant in the SSD treatments than the overhead treatment. SSD provided adequate soil moisture control while saving water when compared to overhead irrigation. Fiber quality data showed no difference between irrigation treatments. We conclude SSD irrigation provides the same positive effects as overhead irrigation while reducing water use, shifting yield distribution, and increasing maturity rate.