HIGH RESIDUE CONSERVATION TILLAGE SYSTEM FOR COTTON PRODUCTION: A FARMER' S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

High residue conservation tillage systems for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production have been proposed as having the potential to be both economically and environmentally sustainable, and research has indicated that several advantages may exist for conservation tillage systems compared to conventional tillage systems. However, adoption of new farming systems on a regional scale is difficult unless an individual farmer is willing to take the personal risk and demonstrate the sustainability of the new system on a farm. The John T. Ingram and Sons Farm is an example that adopted a high residue conservation tillage system. Located on the Coastal Plains of Alabama, this farm has successfully operated as a high residue conservation tillage system since 1984 and served as an example for other farmers in the region. The following describes the system presently used on the John T. Ingram and Sons Farm and presents their perspectives and observations.