{"id":9414,"date":"2020-06-08T10:19:25","date_gmt":"2020-06-08T14:19:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences-new\/?p=9414"},"modified":"2020-09-01T10:27:09","modified_gmt":"2020-09-01T14:27:09","slug":"decision-tools-bolster-cotton-picks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/news\/decision-tools-bolster-cotton-picks\/","title":{"rendered":"Decision Tools Bolster Cotton Picks"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Close
Cotton in a Martin County field.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not all farms grow food.\u00a0 Fiber is another important component of North Carolina\u2019s agricultural economy.\u00a0 Cotton is NC\u2019s fourth-largest cash crop with over a half-million acres grown each year.\u00a0 It\u2019s a high risk, high reward crop. A grower\u2019s success hinges on international markets, weather windows, and other factors that drive planting decisions.\u00a0 NC State Crop and Soil Sciences Extension offers agronomic decision tools to help growers navigate their way to success.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cotton is often part of a crop rotation or diversified farm plan and is heavily dependent on infrastructure. Proximity to a gin is essential to process the harvested lint and access global markets. Overall, cotton can be expensive to grow, with 25-30% of the total production cost invested at planting, primarily from seed cost.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seed Speed<\/b><\/h1>\n

New seed varieties are now being replaced about every two to three years with a number of improvements including pest tolerance, leaf shape, fiber quality, and more. This rapid development timeline requires growers to react nimbly and to understand which varieties are best suited to their conditions. No small feat while under pressure from high seed cost and numerous varieties from which to choose.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Weather is the great common denominator in field crops. Cotton has unique limiting factors that can make or break a harvest. Temperatures at planting and soil moisture are the two most critical components to an auspicious start. But cotton\u2019s planting window is narrow, often putting growers on the run from late May crop insurance deadlines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Combines
Cotton Harvesting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tools to Tame Tough Choices<\/b><\/h1>\n

NC State\u2019s Cotton Extension Specialists Guy Collins and Keith Edmisten have released two decision tools on the NC State Cotton Extension Portal<\/a> to help growers maximize outcomes while minimizing agronomic risk. The first decision aid is the Cotton Variety Calculator<\/a>. \u201cWe used to publish variety tables for growers, but they could only sort columns.\u00a0 We felt we could make it more powerful – more meaningful to our growers,\u201d Edmisten said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Within the online decision tool, growers can select which trials to include, their region, soil type, yield environment, and more. The goal is to determine which variety provides the highest yield with the desired fiber qualities (thickness, length, strength, color, etc.).\u00a0 \u201cIt really simplifies decisions for growers, allowing them to customize how they make variety comparisons, based on selection criteria of their choosing,\u201d Collins said.\u00a0 Small plot official variety trials (OVT) and on-farm trial data are added to the background database annually.\u00a0 Up to date data from a broad range of environments is critical when seed varieties are short-lived.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"spreadsheet
Sample results from Cotton Variety Calculator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Proof Is In Performance<\/b><\/h1>\n

Andrew Burleson farms 4,400 acres in Stanly County, a large portion of which is cotton.\u00a0 \u201c[The variety decision tool] is very helpful to see how a variety performs across many conditions,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Burleson has been using the variety selector since its release. \u201cThe tool helps us make decisions based on what performed well.\u00a0 We may plant six to eight varieties per year with different maturities or biotechnologies. Some varieties we may test on small acreage to see how they perform on our land.\u00a0 We can\u2019t test them all though, so it does influence our decisions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Conditional Advice<\/b><\/h1>\n

The second decision tool is the Cotton Planting Condition Calculator<\/a>.\u00a0 \u201cWe used to just look at the weather forecast – how many 60 degree days predicted ten days out.\u00a0 But things change so rapidly and vary by location.\u00a0 So we asked ourselves if we could make an interactive map,\u201d Edmisten said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The current tool overlays the National Weather Service data with a Google Earth image.\u00a0 Growers can select their general area on the map or zoom in to their particular farm or field for more precise local predictions. The tool utilizes weather forecasts to calculate a five-day rating for planting conditions using the average high and low temperatures calculation (growing degree days) which foretell seedling growth. \u201cIt predicts if planting under current conditions will be successful,\u201d Collins said. The tool displays a color-coded scale for planting conditions in the coming days: very good (green) to very poor (red).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Map
Sample data from Cotton Planting Conditions Calculator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIf growers have to plant and the conditions are rated as adequate or marginal, we hope to influence their planting practices in seed selection, evaluating seed quality, especially cool germination, or influencing planting depth.\u00a0 If a grower follows the recommendations it can reduce the frequency or necessity to replant.\u00a0 It really improves their chances of doing it right the first time,\u201d Collins noted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf someone asked me to pick a date on the calendar to plant, I\u2019d say May 1 to May 15. But the calculator gives us warnings about low nighttime temperatures. I may hold off planting then. I look at [the planting conditions tool] really closely and try to plant in the best conditions possible.\u00a0 It wraps up a lot of information as a quick visual tool.\u201d Burleson said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"colorful
Cotton Planting Conditions Calculator scale<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Research Reprieve<\/b><\/h1>\n

Cotton Extension (and growers) breathed a sigh of relief recently.\u00a0 Word has spread that research trials will happen this year, albeit on a smaller scale.\u00a0 But growers will have new information to glean from the decision tools next year.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re always adjusting and modifying [the tools] to improve any weaknesses,\u201d Edmisten said.\u00a0 \u201cWe want these tools to be simple but valuable, and we\u2019re always making adjustments.\u00a0 Just this year, we added a DD-60 calculator to the planting conditions calculator which is now being used nationally by growers in the Midsouth, Texas, and California,\u201d Collins concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
Recently harvested cotton in a field as a combine rolls past at the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station in Edgecombe County.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Want More Decision Support?<\/b><\/h1>\n

Other NC State Cotton Extension support is available through the Cotton Extension Portal<\/a>, email updates,<\/a> and field days<\/a>.\u00a0 The summer in-person field days are canceled for now but may be held virtually or on a small scale at the county level.\u00a0 For the latest information on cotton resources, please check the Cotton Extension Portal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research moves fast. Keep current with our department\u2019s complete roster of crop and soil research through our <\/span>Friends of Crop & Soil Sciences<\/span><\/a> weekly newsletter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are a student interested in field crops (or know someone who is), learn about our <\/span>multiple degree programs<\/span><\/a> or sign up for an <\/span>email exploration<\/span><\/a> of our department\u2019s undergraduate studies. We are growing the future.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"[caption id=\"attachment_9417\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"347\"]\"Close Cotton in a Martin County field.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nNot all farms grow food.\u00a0 Fiber is another important component of North Carolina\u2019s agricultural economy.\u00a0 Cotton is NC\u2019s fourth-largest cash crop with over a half-million acres grown each year.\u00a0 It\u2019s a high risk, high reward crop. A grower\u2019s success hinges on international markets, weather windows, and other factors that drive planting decisions.\u00a0 NC State Crop and Soil Sciences Extension offers agronomic decision tools to help growers navigate their way to success.<\/span>\r\n\r\nCotton is often part of a crop rotation or diversified farm plan and is heavily dependent on infrastructure. Proximity to a gin is essential to process the harvested lint and access global markets. Overall, cotton can be expensive to grow, with 25-30% of the total production cost invested at planting, primarily from seed cost.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Seed Speed<\/b><\/h1>\r\nNew seed varieties are now being replaced about every two to three years with a number of improvements including pest tolerance, leaf shape, fiber quality, and more. This rapid development timeline requires growers to react nimbly and to understand which varieties are best suited to their conditions. No small feat while under pressure from high seed cost and numerous varieties from which to choose.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWeather is the great common denominator in field crops. Cotton has unique limiting factors that can make or break a harvest. Temperatures at planting and soil moisture are the two most critical components to an auspicious start. But cotton\u2019s planting window is narrow, often putting growers on the run from late May crop insurance deadlines.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9416\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1200\"]\"Combines Cotton Harvesting[\/caption]\r\n

Tools to Tame Tough Choices<\/b><\/h1>\r\nNC State\u2019s Cotton Extension Specialists Guy Collins and Keith Edmisten have released two decision tools on the NC State Cotton Extension Portal<\/a> to help growers maximize outcomes while minimizing agronomic risk. The first decision aid is the Cotton Variety Calculator<\/a>. \u201cWe used to publish variety tables for growers, but they could only sort columns.\u00a0 We felt we could make it more powerful - more meaningful to our growers,\u201d Edmisten said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWithin the online decision tool, growers can select which trials to include, their region, soil type, yield environment, and more. The goal is to determine which variety provides the highest yield with the desired fiber qualities (thickness, length, strength, color, etc.).\u00a0 \u201cIt really simplifies decisions for growers, allowing them to customize how they make variety comparisons, based on selection criteria of their choosing,\u201d Collins said.\u00a0 Small plot official variety trials (OVT) and on-farm trial data are added to the background database annually.\u00a0 Up to date data from a broad range of environments is critical when seed varieties are short-lived.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9422\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2318\"]\"spreadsheet Sample results from Cotton Variety Calculator[\/caption]\r\n

Proof Is In Performance<\/b><\/h1>\r\nAndrew Burleson farms 4,400 acres in Stanly County, a large portion of which is cotton.\u00a0 \u201c[The variety decision tool] is very helpful to see how a variety performs across many conditions,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Burleson has been using the variety selector since its release. \u201cThe tool helps us make decisions based on what performed well.\u00a0 We may plant six to eight varieties per year with different maturities or biotechnologies. Some varieties we may test on small acreage to see how they perform on our land.\u00a0 We can\u2019t test them all though, so it does influence our decisions.\u201d<\/span>\r\n

Conditional Advice<\/b><\/h1>\r\nThe second decision tool is the Cotton Planting Condition Calculator<\/a>.\u00a0 \u201cWe used to just look at the weather forecast - how many 60 degree days predicted ten days out.\u00a0 But things change so rapidly and vary by location.\u00a0 So we asked ourselves if we could make an interactive map,\u201d Edmisten said.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe current tool overlays the National Weather Service data with a Google Earth image.\u00a0 Growers can select their general area on the map or zoom in to their particular farm or field for more precise local predictions. The tool utilizes weather forecasts to calculate a five-day rating for planting conditions using the average high and low temperatures calculation (growing degree days) which foretell seedling growth. \u201cIt predicts if planting under current conditions will be successful,\u201d Collins said. The tool displays a color-coded scale for planting conditions in the coming days: very good (green) to very poor (red).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9421\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1170\"]\"Map Sample data from Cotton Planting Conditions Calculator[\/caption]\r\n\r\n\u201cIf growers have to plant and the conditions are rated as adequate or marginal, we hope to influence their planting practices in seed selection, evaluating seed quality, especially cool germination, or influencing planting depth.\u00a0 If a grower follows the recommendations it can reduce the frequency or necessity to replant.\u00a0 It really improves their chances of doing it right the first time,\u201d Collins noted.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cIf someone asked me to pick a date on the calendar to plant, I\u2019d say May 1 to May 15. But the calculator gives us warnings about low nighttime temperatures. I may hold off planting then. I look at [the planting conditions tool] really closely and try to plant in the best conditions possible.\u00a0 It wraps up a lot of information as a quick visual tool.\u201d Burleson said.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9418\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1144\"]\"colorful Cotton Planting Conditions Calculator scale[\/caption]\r\n

Research Reprieve<\/b><\/h1>\r\nCotton Extension (and growers) breathed a sigh of relief recently.\u00a0 Word has spread that research trials will happen this year, albeit on a smaller scale.\u00a0 But growers will have new information to glean from the decision tools next year.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re always adjusting and modifying [the tools] to improve any weaknesses,\u201d Edmisten said.\u00a0 \u201cWe want these tools to be simple but valuable, and we\u2019re always making adjustments.\u00a0 Just this year, we added a DD-60 calculator to the planting conditions calculator which is now being used nationally by growers in the Midsouth, Texas, and California,\u201d Collins concluded.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9427\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1200\"]\"A Recently harvested cotton in a field as a combine rolls past at the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station in Edgecombe County.[\/caption]\r\n

Want More Decision Support?<\/b><\/h1>\r\nOther NC State Cotton Extension support is available through the Cotton Extension Portal<\/a>, email updates,<\/a> and field days<\/a>.\u00a0 The summer in-person field days are canceled for now but may be held virtually or on a small scale at the county level.\u00a0 For the latest information on cotton resources, please check the Cotton Extension Portal.<\/span>\r\n\r\nResearch moves fast. Keep current with our department\u2019s complete roster of crop and soil research through our <\/span>Friends of Crop & Soil Sciences<\/span><\/a> weekly newsletter.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you are a student interested in field crops (or know someone who is), learn about our <\/span>multiple degree programs<\/span><\/a> or sign up for an <\/span>email exploration<\/span><\/a> of our department\u2019s undergraduate studies. We are growing the future.<\/span>"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Not all farms grow food.\u00a0Cotton is NC\u2019s second-largest cash crop with over a half-million acres grown each year.\u00a0NC State Crop and Soil Sciences Extension offers agronomic decision tools to help growers navigate their way to success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2196,"featured_media":9415,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[24,18],"tags":[195,383,379,387,385,378,386,381,384,382,380],"class_list":["post-9414","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-extension","category-impact","tag-cotton","tag-cotton-agronomy","tag-cotton-decision-tool","tag-cotton-research","tag-extension-portal","tag-nc-state-extension","tag-north-carolina-cotton-farm","tag-planting-conditions","tag-planting-dates","tag-reseeding","tag-variety-calculator"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9414","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2196"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9414"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9414\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9465,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9414\/revisions\/9465"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9414"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9414"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9414"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}