Comparing high impact cotton production systems

Increasing consumer interest in organically-grown cotton has necessitated research in which organic cotton is compared to traditionally-grown cotton. As with any relatively new product or method of production, consumer concerns are generated as to the quality of the new versus the known. This article investigates how organic, transitional, traditional low-impact, and traditional high-impact cotton production systems compared at zero and after five launderings in the areas of eight physical characteristics. The general findings presented no conclusive evidence that any of the four systems consistently performed at a higher level than any or all of the others for the physical characteristics studied. This leads to the conclusion that, on an overall level, no consistent differences can be observed between organic cotton and traditionally-produced cotton. Further study is necessary to determine if these findings hold true for increased launderings, other variables, and other physical characteristics.