Assessing the Impact of Organic Fertilizer Use on Cotton Yield in Texas Farms

Thesis Abstract

The adoption of organic fertilizers among cotton farmers in Texas presents a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural intensification, yet empirical evidence on its impact on cotton yield remains limited and context-specific. This study aims to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizer application on cotton productivity in Texas farms, with specific objectives to quantify yield differences between farms using organic versus conventional fertilizers, identify farmers’ perceptions and practices related to organic fertilizer use, and determine socioeconomic and environmental factors influencing adoption rates. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches for comprehensive analysis. The quantitative component involved a cross-sectional survey of 150 cotton farms selected through stratified random sampling to represent diverse geographic zones within Texas’s major cotton-producing regions. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires and field measurements of cotton yield. Qualitative data were gathered via focus group discussions with 12 farmer groups and in-depth interviews with key agricultural extension officers, exploring perceptions, motivations, and barriers related to organic fertilizer use. Data analysis entailed descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS software to assess the relationship between organic fertilizer application and cotton yield, controlling for soil properties, farm size, and input costs. The study also employed thematic analysis for qualitative data to derive contextual insights. It is anticipated that farms utilizing organic fertilizers will exhibit statistically significant higher yields compared to those employing conventional practices, owing to improvements in soil health, nutrient availability, and pest control demonstrated in prior research. The regression analysis is expected to reveal that organic fertilizer adoption positively correlates with yield, even when accounting for farm-specific variables, thus affirming the agronomic benefits of organic inputs. The findings are expected to contribute novel insights into the scale and determinants of organic fertilizer adoption within Texas’s cotton industry, filling existing literature gaps concerning regional empirical data and socio-economic barriers. It is also anticipated that the study will validate the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior in understanding farmers' decision-making regarding organic fertilizer adoption, informing strategies to enhance sustainable practices. The study's contribution to knowledge lies in providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, extension agencies, and farmers to optimize organic fertilizer usage, improve yield outcomes, and promote environmentally sustainable cotton cultivation. The main conclusion underscores that strategic promotion of organic fertilizers can enhance productivity while fostering sustainable soil management in Texas cotton farms. Recommendations include implementing targeted extension programs to improve farmer awareness, subsidizing organic inputs, and developing region-specific guidelines for organic fertilizer application. Future research directions suggested include long-term assessments of organic practices and explorations of integrated pest and soil health management strategies. Overall, this research advances understanding of organic fertilizer impacts within a key agricultural sector and offers practical pathways for scaling sustainable cotton production in Texas.