Cost of nematicides can limit profit, but use of new technologies such as precision farming can be used to reduce costs and lower chemical input into the environment. The purpose of this study was to determine if precision farming methods can be used in cotton production systems and maintain profitable fields. The field was disked three times and hipped in the spring to prepare the beds. Fertilization and herbicide practices follow state recommendations for growing cotton. For treatment evaluation purposes, the field was subdivided into 25 6-row plots which varied in length from 1,250 to 2,040 ft.
Conventional applications refer to a uniform rate of nematicide applied to the entire plot.
Conventional application rate was based on the mean population densities from the acre subplots that correspond with an individual strip. Variable rate application refers to different rates of nematicide being applied within a plot based on the nematode density map created from the acre subplots. On 10 Jun, plots were established using a randomized complete block design with five replicates per treatment. Plant stands and height were obtaining from two 50 ft. Mid-season nematode counts were also similar between the treatments even though numerical differences were observed.