Abstract:

In order to explore the effects of different timings of terminating irrigation on the fiber quality of mulched and drip-irrigated cotton, this study analyses the variations in fiber quality indicators with different timings of cutting off water supply of two main cotton varieties in south Xinjiang: ‘Zhongmiansuo49’ and ‘Xinluzhong28’. The results showed that an increase in cotton lint yield was obtained by deferring terminating irrigation, the two cultivars behaved the same. That terminating irrigation either too early or too late was negatively influence cotton fiber quality. Terminating irrigation too early resulted in a in fiber length, specific strength and Macmm values of ‘Zhongmiansuo49’ were 0.3 mm, 0.5 cN/tex and 0.3, respectively, and decrease of ‘Xinluzhong28’ in fiber length and specific strength were 0.3 mm and 0.1 cN/tex, respectively, Macmm values increased 0.2. In contrast, terminating irrigation too late led to a general reduction of ‘Xinluzhong28’ in fiber length, specific strength and Macmm value were 0.5 mm, 0.3 cN/tex, 0.1, and ‘Zhongmiansuo49’ behaved the same, in fiber length, specific strength and Macmm values were decreased. However in the latter case, the differences are not significant. Thus in production practice, appropriately deferring irrigation termination was from August 15 to September 5 will boost economic result of cotton production.