D3259: Inputs and cotton profitability

The authors grew 0.1 ha plots of cotton and manipulated inputs including irrigation (dryland, partial and full), fertilization (low and high), and insecticide applications (none, thrips only, stink bugs only, both thrips and stink bugs). At the end of the year, representative plots were mechanically picked, individually ginned and classed. Lint value on a per plot basis was calculated as a function of different input costs, lint yield and fiber quality. Comparisons showed that high inputs do not always maximize profitability.