State-space description of field heterogeneity: Water and nitrogen use in cotton

Field heterogeneity in soil texture and site elevation (SE) may affect crop water and N use. A 2-yr (1998-1999) study was concluded on the Texas High Plains to determine the interdependence between management (irrigation and N fertilization), soil heterogeneity (texture, soil water, and NO₃-N) and topography, and their impact on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum 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 ha^-1. Soil water content (SWC), lint yield, N uptake, and N fertilizer recovery, measured as a 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 NO₃-N, and the model residual was significant for all measured variables (P < 0.0001). Sand, SWC, lint yield, and N uptake were negatively correlated with SE (r ≥ -0.64). In 1998, lint yield, SWC, clay, sand, and SE were cross correlated within 60 to 80 m. Multivariate state-space 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.