Effects of the share types of an inter-row cultivator at different working depths on weed control and plant growth in cotton production

Abstract

Abstract. Different share types of tine type inter-row cultivator are used to remove the weeds and loosen the soil surface between the rows during the first true leaf stage of cotton. The efficiency of these shares can be changed by soil properties and working parameters. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of different share geometries for a tine inter-row cultivator on weed control and plant growth parameters at three different working depths (100, 150 and 200 mm) and a constant working speed (5.4 km h-1) under cotton planted field conditions. Measurements included the weeding efficiency within row and between rows, the percentage of damaged plants, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, NDVI (Normalized difference vegetation index), SPAD (the relative content of chlorophyll) values and seed cotton yield. The results indicated that the inter-row cultivation at the first true leaf stage of cotton significantly increased the plant growth parameters (root dry weight, shoot dry weight, NDVI, SPAD) and seed cotton yield. The share types had a strong effect on the weeding efficiency and the percentage of damaged plants. The increased working depth increased the weeding efficiency, plant growth parameters and seed cotton yield, but also significantly increased the percentage of damaged plants. Overall, the results from this study suggest that the inter-row cultivation during the early stage of cotton will be an effective approach in improving the weed control and the plant growth in cotton production. These outcomes depend on the share type and working depth of the tine type inter-row cultivator.