There is no “best” irrigation system; it all comes down to management. A system must have the capability to meet the crop demand. Sprinklers do not have a major effect on bloom abortion by running them in the day time as some fear. A sprinkler system with the correct volume that is run to meet crop demand can do just as well as a furrow system. However, many growers feel that sprinkler irrigated cotton does not need the same volume as furrow which results in water-stressed cotton and decreased yield. A large plant demands maximum water and nutrients to perform well, and many growers have large plants under pivots but do not supply enough water to maximize the crop potential thus reducing yield. For more information visit the irrigation section of the eXtension cotton website.