Growth Rate and Yield of Cotton as Influenced by Depth and Bulk Density of Soil Pans

Effects of depth and bulk density of soil pans on cotton growth and yield, oxygen concentration, and water extraction were measured. At each depth‐to‐pan treatment, final plant height and yield of seed cotton were reduced as soil bulk density or penetrometer resistance increased. Growth rate and yield were less on the 10‐cm depth‐to‐pan treatment than on the 20‐ or 30‐cm depth treatments. A restricted water supply due to limited rooting volume probably was the principal factor causing reduced yield of cotton grown on the higher strength soil pans.