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closeup of cotton plan in farmer's field

K-State researchers have teamed with colleagues at Oklahoma State University to study the long-term environmental and economic viability of cotton production in areas where water is scarce. | Download this photo.

Research investigating Great Plains cotton production receives national grant

Project aims to optimize cotton irrigation and production

April 4, 2022

GARDEN CITY, Kan. –A project that focuses on the sustainability and economic performance of cotton in the Central High Plains has been awarded $750,000 as one of 12 national grants from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

The project is a four-year partnership between researchers at Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University. Together, they hope to identify the long-term environmental and economic viability of cotton production in areas where water scarcity requires the adoption of less water-intensive cropping systems.

Project leaders think that cotton is a potential alternative to traditional row crops, due to its low water requirements and promising net returns for farmers.

Jonathan Aguilar, a member of the research team and an extension specialist at K-State’s Southwest Research Extension Center, said portions of the project will take place in western Kansas, where uncertain rainfall and frequent drought make irrigation imperative for successful crop production. Water used for irrigation in this region comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, a resource that has seen troubling declines in water levels.

“Kansas is not alone in seeking answers to farmers’ questions as they start growing irrigated cotton further north of the historical cotton area, and that’s why Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University partnered in this research project,” Aguilar said.

As part of this research, specialists from both universities will work together to establish experiments aimed at optimizing cotton irrigation and production, as well as evaluate the impact of cotton production on soil health parameters in the region. They also hope to quantify the economic implications of cotton production in the central high plains on water resources like the Ogallala Aquifer.

At a glance

K-State, Oklahoma State researchers think cotton is a potential alternative to traditional row crops due to its low water requirements and promising net returns for farmers.

Website

Southwest Research-Extension Center (Garden City)

Notable quote

“Kansas is not alone in seeking answers to farmers’ questions as they start growing irrigated cotton further north of the historical cotton area, and that’s why Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University partnered in this research project."

— Jonathan Aguilar, agricultural engineer, K-State Research Extension Center, Garden City

Written by

Melissa Harvey
785-477-4540
mharvey@ksu.edu

 

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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.