With the lack of rainfall this year, cotton producers are being forced to turn to heavier irrigation. Brian Lieb, a UT professor experimenting with the effects of pivot irrigation, says most growers in the Mid-south do not know how much water is necessary for a good yield.
Lieb says he is experimenting with irrigation rates to determine adequate water requirements for different areas and different growth stages.
Lieb also explains that the use of pivot irrigation is increasing in the Mid-south and could be a more effective way to increase operation productivity.