Reduce trips over the field to save fuel and labor. Economic analysis of a ridge-till system and a conventional system has shown that lower fuel use and labor costs associated with less tillage can provide significant savings. A ridge-till system analyzed was found to reduce labor costs by 27 percent, fuel costs by 37 percent and repair costs by 24 percent. Greater profitability from lower costs are a big advantage in today's very competitive agricultural markets. Planting guidelines Planting date.
Decisions regarding planting of cotton in Missouri can impact the crop for the entire season.
A vigorously growing crop usually starts fruiting earlier, matures earlier and may have greater yield potential. Planting dates for Missouri cotton need to balance the need for as long a growing season as possible with the need to wait for good growing conditions. A general guideline for planting date for cotton in Missouri is from May 5 to May 15. Cotton planted before May 5 probably will encounter greater risk of cool soil temperatures, but may be able to establish a stand in some years. Cotton planted after May 15, until May 20, probably will not have significantly lower yields, but maturity delays begin to be a problem.