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Abstract:
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The ultra narrow row (UNR) cotton system is defined as a method of planting a
cotton field with closely spaced rows. The row spacing for UNR cotton is typically 7.5
inches to 15 inches. The potential for increased yield by using the UNR system has
caught the attention of U. S. cotton farmers, and thus the attention of ginners and textile
mills.
While these three groups share an interest in UNR cotton, they do not share the
same opinion. Farmers favor UNR cotton because of the potential for increased yield, a
shorter growing season, and lower equipment costs. Conversely, cotton ginners,
buyers, and spinners are wary of UNR cotton because of the current perception of
increased levels of non-lint content. For gins not prepared to handle UNR stripper
harvested cotton, increased non-lint content can reduce the efficiency of the gin and
increase wear on ginning equipment. Spinners are wary of UNR cotton because studies
have shown that increased non-lint content in the cotton fiber can cause an increased
number of ends down in spinning, increased waste in the card room, and poor yarn and
fabric quality.
Very little research has been conducted on the impact of UNR cotton in the textile
plant. This thesis studied the interaction between the independent variables of row
spacing, harvesting, and ginning, to determine their impact on several dependent
variables including card room waste, spinning performance, yarn quality, and white
specks in fabric. The information provided in this thesis pertains to the spinning performance and
yarn quality of open-end yarn spun from UNR spaced cottons compared to open-end
yarn spun from conventionally spaced cottons. Cotton buyers and yarn spinners may be
able to reap the benefits of UNR cotton by specifying in the purchase contracts the
methods of harvesting and cleaning in which UNR cottons are exposed. These benefits
include finer fibers of longer length. Also, the potential for UNR cottons to have lower
micronaire values, yet still be mature, could be of benefit to spinners. Given the recent
trend of U.S. cottons to have higher micronaire values, the potential exists for money
to be saved in the areas of twisting costs and equipment speeds by purchasing UNR
cottons with lower micronaire values.
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