In this investigation we have identified that approximately 30% of the sites in both years investigated are showing issues at depth with respects to root development and / or irrigation infiltration. There was broadly, two phenomena that have been identified in this study, those being; 1. Locations showing little or no root development during the period being investigated (crop year period) and/or 2. Locations showing depleted root development, or poor or nil irrigation recharge to the portion of the profile investigated during the crop year period. Further to our investigations it would seem that soil structure is being compromised and soil porosity lost either due to rain shifting salts down through the profile and causing a band of structural collapse, which links in to irrigation recharge issues, or is due to the increased frequency of irrigation causing increased dispersion and general structural decline of the soils in question, thus reducing root penetration, and moisture infiltration.

This study has identified spatially and temporally the extent to which these constraints to the production of cotton are an issue at an industry level. The findings of this study will allow the authors to focus future research efforts to investigate in more detail the causal factors behind the mechanisms identified. This research will also follow on to more detailed investigations as to how the mechanisms identified in this study are affecting plant root development and moisture infiltration again both spatially and temporally at field level .