Crop Production

Lee County OPTIMA Fields On-Farm Trial: Garrett Dixon

1 min read
Garrett Dixon, a farmer in Lee County, inside the cab of a tractor.

An illustrated logo of growing plants with the words OPTIMA Fields Alabama Extension below them.Farm Overview

  • Location: Salem—Lee County, Alabama
  • Crop: Cotton
  • Planting date: June 13, 2025
  • Area: 38.9 acres
  • Row spacing: 36 inches
  • Irrigation: Center pivot
  • Tillage: None

Objectives

  • Evaluate how integrating variable rate seeding and nitrogen applications can improve cotton yield and resource efficiency in central Alabama under center pivot irrigation.

Treatments

This trial evaluates the impact of different seeding rates and various nitrogen application levels on cotton yield. The primary goal is to optimize input use by improving nitrogen efficiency, thereby minimizing excessive application. The following table outlines the different seeding and nitrogen rates tested in this trial.

Variable Rate Seeding (Seeds per Acre)Variable Rate Nitrogen (Pounds per Acre)
15,00030
20,00045
25,00060

Soil Type

A map that shows the soil type for the Dixon farm trial.

Field Trial Design

A map that shows the field trial design for the Dixon farm.

Activities

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