State-Space Description of Field Heterogenity: Water and Nitrogen Use in Cotton
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Abstract
Field heterogeneity in soil texture and site elevation (SE) may affect crop water and N use. A 2yr (1998-1999) study was conducted on the Texas High Plains to determine the interdependence between management (irrigation and N fertilization), soil heterogeneity (texture, soil water, and N03-N) and topography, and their impact on cotton (Gossypium hirstum L.) lint yield and N uptake. Treatments were irrigation at 50 and 75% estimated cotton evapotranspiration (ET) and N rates at 0, 90, and 135 kg ltu-1, Soil water content (SWC), lint yield, N uptake, and N fertilizer recovery, measured us II function of management and space, were higher on low positions. Mixed model analysis showed that irrigation was significant on SWC, lint yield, and N uptake (P < 0.05) each year. The N treatment had no effect on lint yield or N uptake in 1998 because of high soil residual NOJ-N. and the model residual was significant for 011 measured variables (P < 0.0001). Sand, SWC, lint yield, and N uptake were negatively correlated with SE (r 2: -0.64). In 1998. lint yield, SWC, clay, sand, and SE were cross correlated within 60 to 80 m. Multivariate statespace analysis showed that lint yield at position i was weighted on lint yield, SWC, clay, sand, and SE at previous position i - 1. It is concluded that 75% ET and N rate at 90 kg ha-1 would be the basis to consider variable water and N rates related to field conditions, and the state-space model quantified spatial interdependence between irrigation, fertilization, and field heterogeneity.