Effects of ridge and conventional tillage systems on soil properties and cotton growth

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seeds are susceptible to low temperature and excess moisture in soil during seed emergence in years with high rainfall and low temperature in spring. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was carried out to evaluate effects of ridge tillage formed in autumn (RT-I), ridge tillage formed about a month before planting (RT-II) and flat conventional tillage (CT) cultivation systems on physical properties of soil and cotton growth. The RT-I and RT-II resulted in higher soil temperature and lower soil penetration resistance than CT at all depths. The RT-II gave highest emergence, earliest maturity and greatest seed cotton yield. In conclusion, ridge tillage formed a month before planting may be considered a good agronomic practice because it can provide favorable physical conditions in soil, while also improving growth and yield of cotton under weather conditions in spring in South East Anatolia Region of Turkey.