Johnson, Phillip N.Weinheimer, Justin Andrew2010-05-032012-05-072010-05-032012-05-072010Weinheimer, J., P. Johnson. "Energy and Carbon: Considerations for High Plains Cotton." Beltwide Cotton Conference, 2010http://hdl.handle.net/2346/1681The focus at the national level on issues related to climate change, CO2 emissions and energy independence could affect industries throughout the U.S. through proposed regulation or "Cap and Trade" legislation which aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption and atmospheric CO2 levels. The Texas agricultural industry, specifically the High Plains cotton industry, will be no exception to these potential changes. Thus it is imperative to understand the energy and carbon relationships for High Plains cotton production so that the cotton industry and commercial producers can be prepared to adapt to or benefit from changes in environmental policy. The objective of this study was to conduct an energy and carbon audit on irrigated cotton produced in the Southern High Plains of Texas. Results indicate that sub-surface drip irrigated cotton is a high consumer of energy, emitting the greatest amount of carbon, but produces the highest yield and net returns per acre. However, the Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) irrigated cotton was more efficient in dollars generated per acre inch of irrigation along with being an efficient user of energy, thus reducing carbon emissions per bale produced.en-USPresentation