Using NDVI for Variable Rate Cotton Irrigation Prescriptions

HighlightsCrop coefficients (Kcb) were calculated using Normalized Difference Vegetative Indices (NDVI) and compared to the FAO-56 method.Cotton yields using NDVI-Kcb based irrigation scheduling to a uniform checkbook irrigation were compared.Irrigated cotton yields were not significantly different between irrigation methods but were significantly higher in years requiring higher volumes of irrigation water.Cotton fiber quality was not significantly different for the two irrigation methods or plant populations.Abstract. Irrigation timing is crucial for achieving high cotton yields and lint quality. This irrigation timing is more challenging in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain region due to its spatial variable sandy soils with low water and nutrient holding capacities and rainfall variability during the growing season. To address these challenges, we conducted a 2-year (2017 and 2018) study evaluating two irrigation scheduling methods under a variable rate irrigation system. The two irrigation methods were: (1) a uniform irrigation management based on weekly crop water usage, and (2) spatial crop coefficients derived from normalized difference vegetative indices (NDVI). We compared cotton yields and water use efficiency using the two irrigation scheduling methods at two different planting densities. The two plant populations were 5 and 11.5 plants m2 to provide different NDVI readings and water requirements. In 2017, there were no significant differences in cotton yields due to the adequate rainfall during the growing season that required only three irrigations events. The mean irrigation depth for the NDVI method was significantly lower than the uniform method (56 and 64 mm, respectively, LSD = 4.2). In 2018, there was lower rainfall during the growing season requiring eight irrigation events and the cotton yields in the two irrigation treatments were significantly higher than the rainfed treatment. Irrigation depths in 2018 were not significantly different for the two irrigation methods. Water use efficiencies were not significantly different for the two irrigation methods. The planting density had little impact on the cotton yields, irrigation depth, water use efficiency, or cotton fiber quality. These results indicate that the NDVI-derived crop coefficient values were as effective in prescribing irrigation applications as the uniform irrigation method for irrigation management. The NDVI-derived crop coefficient irrigation method appears to be a useful tool for managing irrigation and developing irrigation prescriptions. Keywords: Cotton, Irrigation scheduling, Normalized difference vegetation indices, Variable rate irrigation