Success of Scott Fullen in cotton production with help of a new harvesting system that could spindle pick cotton in 15-inch rows was reported at 2005 Beltwide Cotton Conference in New Orleans.
This success encouraged other producers and university scientists conducting research on 15-inch cotton. Growers grew 40,000 acres of 15-inch cotton approximately in 2006.
In Tennessee, where there is more hill ground and thin soil, 30-inch cotton is grown.
15-inch planting system is more suitable to growers in west Tennessee, who faces the problem of tight profit margins.
The cost of 15-inch cotton is also less compared to ultra narrow cotton. It costs 60,000 to 65,000 plants pre acre in 15-inch cotton compared to 80,000 to 100,000 per acre in ultra narrow rows.